The Knight and the Princess (Closed for Landi and I)

[Sky Jade]

John Robinson was a knight who came from a long line of ten generations of noble blood. His family had a large tact of land west of the kingdom of Correthia. He was only 19, the youngest of three brothers, so there was little chance of getting a large amount of the family wealth just yet. His parents had let him get training as a knight with the royal army so that he would be able to give honor to the family name.

John had heard rumors that strange events were taking place in the far south of explored territory. Feeling this was the best way to gain glory and honor for himself, he started on a journey. He had decided not to take a direct route, but visited all of the towns and villages in the countryside. He earned money by participating in various tournments that happen to take place at the time he came across them.

It had been a few months, but he was finally getting to new territory for him to explore. He had spent a week traveling through the Forest of Despair when he finally broke out of it onto a vast green plain. It seemed to go on forever as the wind blew over the empty space.

He had decided to wear full armor through the forest so protect himself from wild beasts, but nothing had came after him. His armor was painted a blood red to keep the glare from reflecting of of his armor. He reined his stallion, NightHawk, to stop when he stopped a couple of columns of smoke raising in the distance. It was looked to be only half a day's travel away and he figured he could make it by nightfall. He pulled his visor down so that only his green eyes were barely noticable through the horizontal slit and urged NaightHawk forward at a brisk pace.

 

[landiek]

Jasona rode her golden steed along the fringes of her borders, her eyes ever careful of the predators that lingered within the forest. Sensing nothing ill of the woodlands she retreated to her favorite secluded mountain pool to bathe in. Her horse was free to wander at he willed having never been molested by beasts or strangers. Sundowner was a rare beast being a beautiful golden of coat with long flowing yellowish mane.

Jasona had stripped away her peasant garments to enjoy her simple pleasure of the warm waters. Her voice carried over to the glen itself as the soft nyphmic song lilted along the breeze.

The small trees provided enough of a wall to hide her at first but the soft song emitting from behind the canopy begged to be discovered

 

[Sky Jade]

John had been making his way towards the smoke when he noticed a glimpse of golden color from the corner of his eye. He pulled gently to stop NightHawk for a moment. He turned his head and spotted the golden horse several hundred yards away. He was curious about the creature because he hadn't seen anything quite like it before. The smoke could wait for now and urged NightHawk forward. It took a few minutes, but as he approached the beautiful horse, he heard the beautiful music coming from behind a wall of trees. It seemed odd to him that trees were out this far from the woods, but he made his way around them slowly, looking for the source of the beautiful music.

The source of the smoke was actually a camp setup by a pair of hunters. They were laughing and joking with each other about their plans. They were human and quite handsome, but their eyes had a hint of darkness with in them.

"So where are we suppose to find the girl that the Mistress wants?"

"I dunno but I'm sure we''ll be well rewarded. We better be after searching for her for so long. I think she was supposed to frequent this area alot."

"Yeah, well we'll search for her tomorrow."

They laughed and threw back more wine, getting more drunk.

 

[landiek]

Jasona dipped under the waters and washed the dirt from her hair as she listened to the sounds that warbled into her ears filled with droplets.

Sundowner reared back and stamped at the intruders with a look of wildness. He trounced forward to the Dark Horse and it's rider, snorting and bucking wildly. Without a blink of an eye, Sundowner turned inwards and threatened to bite the rider, then reared to the back hoofs and pawed the air with wild jerks.

The singing stopped and a girl stepped from the curtain of green "What do you seek?"

Her clothing with clutched to her body as the red waves of hair dangled to the ground. Her eyes looked full of color as she looked of a wood nymph or some form of a sylvan or dryad.

 

[Sky Jade]

As Sundowner reared and bucked, he reined NightHawk to a stop. He guided his horse back a couple of steps as the golden horse threatened to bite him. He wasn't afraid of getting bitten because of his armor, but he didn't want to injure either horse.

He looked over at the sound of the girl's voice as he heard her question. He didn't say anything for a moment and then reached up, taking off his helmet. His hair was cut short to keep from getting caught in the armor, and black as night. Green eyes looked her over for a moment before he gave her a bow.

"I seek to find honor m'lady. I did not mean to disturb you, but your singing was captivating and I have not seen such beauty as yourself or your fine steed. Please pardon the intrusion."

He gave her a smile before he looked away to allow her privacy.

 

[landiek]

Jasona retreated into the canopy and hastily dressed into the peasant garb that she used for her escapes from the castle. Her youth spent in the dread lonely old building was just another reason that she was so headstrong.

She stepped back out into the light and walked over to calm the beast that was so awe striking. Just a touch of her hand and the soft lilt of her voice made the horse calm immediately.

"Forgive me my Lord. I welcome you to the realm of Whilting Castle. I am Jasona." She kept the royal titles quiet for now for she was unsure of his intent other then he was admiring the fact that her bodice made her bosom swell to show the fine circles that pressed tight to the cloth and the promise of honey that was hiding beneath the short skirttails of the peasant dress.

 

[Sky Jade]

"Thank you for the welcome M'lady Jasona. I had wonder what the land south of the Forest of Death was called. I hail from the Kingdom of Correthia to the far north. I came down this way because I had heard rumors of strange events happening in the far south."

He gently patted the side of his horse's neck as he thought for a moment.

"Is there someplace we can go to rest for a bit? I have been riding all day and it seems that the sun is setting."

 

[landiek]

"I invite you to the Castle, then for guests and travelors are always welcomed." She smiled sincerely as she mounted the horse sitting sideways and grabbing the reins to her lap and guiding him to her home.

She took note of the smoke that filled the changing sky and gripped her reins tighter. "Pray that we fair well for it is known that Lady Victoria of Torenat desires slaves and cares not to whom she impresses."

 

[Sky Jade]

"Fear not m'lady, for it is my duty to protect others. If any should challenge us, they would have my blade to answer to."

He put his helmet back on before urging his steed after her.

"Please tell me about this Lady Victoria. She sounds like one who needs manners to be taught to her for taking people so unjustly."

He admired her through the visor, but he also kept an eye out around them. He was not familiar with the territory and didn't want to be caught unaware.

 

[landiek]

"She resides beyond the mountains that hail to the south of the realm. She has vowed revenge on those that reign over these lands. Her guards are enchanted to theivery of the poor and reign terror over the farmers by burning the crops that they need to survive the winters. She holds many forms of dark arts and is said to possess many women to sacrifice to her dark lord. She seeks the princess of yon castle to possess as a slave."

Jasona rode quietly onwards coming to the farms she spoke of suffering from remenents of churred grounds and the smell of burnt flesh still lingering in the evening air

 

[Sky Jade]

He shook his head softly as he listened to her and looked at the surroundings they were coming to. A slight shudder went through his body at the smell of burnt flesh.

"It sounds as if this vile woman needs to be taken care of. Is there none who are strong enough to challenge her?"

He could have said he could do something about it, but he wasn't quite sure if he would be able to do such a thing yet. He urged NightHawk forward and came up beside Jasona, keeping pace with her.

"How long has it been like this?"

 

[landiek]

"Nearly twenty years, since before I was born as stories go by the villagers."

Jasona looked at the young man and then lowered her eyes. "The Knights wait for the princess to come of proper age or for her to marry before they seal themselves to such a deadly fate. Her armies are vast and appear like locusts to devour the enemies."

"it has always been this way since before I was born. Please let us press onwards before the night drowns us in the glen."

 

[Sky Jade]

He gave a nod to her as she looked to him for a moment and then spoke of the knights.

"I see. Yes, of course m'lady. I feel it would be wise for us to make haste. Lead on."

He was silent in thought for a while, thinking about the things she had spoke of. There was also something else about her that was bothering him, something in that she might be hiding something. He would not press her about it, but he was sure he would find out eventually. He also felt that if he could do something about this Lady Victoria, he would bring much honor to himself and his family's name as well. He smiled for a moment beneath the helmet before he urged Nighthawk on faster.

 

[landiek]

Jasona rode on into the courtyard of the castle and dismounted quickly. There was a young man that took her reigns and then bowed to her and took her steed to the stables another youth appeared and asked the rider.

"Care for your horse, My Lord?" The boy couldn't be that old but his polite smile was sincerely.

"Your steed and gear will be well cared for by Arlan and his boys."

Another young man came running to Jasona and bowed handing her a scroll and kneeling there before the young girl. "Magnus awaits your reply."

Jasona rolled her eyes and scanned over the contents of the message. "The answer is no."

The messager rose then turned back to the castle quickly. Running as fast as he had to entreat of Jasona.

"Please come with me to the court, I shall make sure that you are well cared for." Jasona offered.

 

[Sky Jade]

He nodded to the young boy as he asked to take care of his horse.

"Of course. Take good care of him."

He paused for a moment to watch the young lady and then began taking off his armor. It took a short while, but he soon had the red metal off. Underneath he wore a simple green jerkin, a white undershirt, leather pants, and soft leather shoes. His hair was a light blonde and cut short. He was handsome and his skin had a light tan to it. He slipped from his horse and stood up to his full six foot hieght. He gave NightHawk a pet on his mane before walking over to her.

"Please lead on m'lady."

 

[landiek]

Jasona looked him over and instantly felt a strange bond to this stranger, perhaps it was he seemed close to her age but whatever it was she also knew that he would soon find out that she was no common peasant.

The Guard at the castle gates looked at her and then rubbed the dirty speak on her nose off. "Magnus has been searching for you for nearly an hour, Princess."

"I know," Jasona sighed "Please escort my consort to the throne room, I shall be there shortly."

 

[Sky Jade]

He smiled a little as he saw the guard rub the dirt off of Jasona's nose. His feeling that she was more than how she had dressed seemed to be correct. Her mannerisms, the way she had carried herself, and how others acted to her confirmed this. He waited for the guard to finish with her before he was escorted to the throne room. His green eyes took in everything as he walked, the thought of the adventure to come exciting him.

 

[landiek]

Jasona walked off into an alcove and disappeared from view within the castle walls. Once she arrived in her chambers, her maid chided over her with a clucking tongue.

"You keep slipping off like this and you are going to be caught by those rbigands that are under Victoria's thumb and you need not be reminded of her ways."

"But I was not gone long." Jasona protested.

"Well where does that leave your people? Enslaved that is where!" She brushed the unruly red tresses with force strokes tearing out the tangles.

"You sound like Razeen" Jasona mused.

"One of those little escapes will get you captured maybe not this time but it is still something to consider seriously." The old woman fussed.

"Enough of your prattling, inform the cook that we have a guest and he shall dine at the head table." Jasona ordered sternly.

"Yes My Lady." The woman dropped the brush and quickly braided the hair into two neat rows, garnished with diamonds and golden flowers from the gardens.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Razeen nodded to the order and did escort the young man into the main halls. Rows of ornate marble statues lined the hallway holding up torches to illuminate the portraits that line the basework as well as unique tapestries.

"Most of the tapestries are done by Our Lady Jasona." Razeen indicated as the youth was looking impressed at the designs and colors.

Razeen pointed out one filled with war symbols and dark red lines of rivers. "That was done by her Mother before the deaths. It hides in this hall for guests to see upon entering as reminder of Lord Whilting's prowess."

Razeen walked on into the main turn and a large oak door laid before them. "May I ask what made you come to Whilting?"

 

[Sky Jade]

He was very impressed with the artwork and statues in the hallway as they walked. Though what impressed him more the fact that the young woman he had meant before had done all of this.

"Lady Jasona is very talented. It looks as if she has done this all of her life."

He hmmed for a moment as he looked at the war painting for Lord Whilting. He lifted a hand as if to touch it, but stopped short, pulling his hand back.

"The lady did an exquisite job upon it."

He paused for a moment at Razeen's question and then looked at the guard for a moment.

"I had heared that there had been strange things going on to the south, and so I came to investigate them. I also traveled as I did to gain honor for myself as a knight."

 

[landiek]

Razeen looked the lad over and nodded. "Maybe stories of the wars that carry on between Whilting and Torenat have reached beyond the Woods. Torenat wars against the Kingland as well, the Lady of the Keep is a vile woman, she is greedy beyond measure and never content with what she has. Victoria has an army that has no fear and fights with such fury that it would seem that demons possess them and their souless ways."

The doors opened and a large red haired giant stood looing at the pair. "Tell me that SHE has went to her room to be presentable to the visiting ambassador from the Celtic woods."

Razeen looked up to the giant with a sigh. "Now Magnus why do you always ask me when it is just as easy to send one of your pages to check."

"She speaks to you face to face." He grunted then glared at the youth. "Who are you and what do you want from Whilting?"

"Princess Jasona requested I escort him to the throne room for an audience before her and court." Razeen replied undaunted by the man that towered at least seven feet tall.

Magnus growled and shoved the doors open widely. "By all means do come in.... and then take a banner to be recognized by the court, unless you have a petetion signed by Princess Jasona."

Razeen slipped a scroll to the youth , followed by a knowing wink. "All shall be revealed in time."

 

[Sky Jade]

He almost stepped back for a moment when the throne doors were suddenly pushed wide open. He blinked a moment as he looked up at the furious man,wondering for a moment who he was. He straightened up a little taller, well as much as he was able and was able to answer the question of who he was when Magnus continued on before he could say a word. He looked over at Razeen a he felt the scroll passed to him and nodded.

"Of course."

He gave a smile for a moment as he regained his composture and stepped ito the throne room, keping the petition under his arm.

 

[landiek]

Magnus drew back from the door aloowing the youth to enter the elaborate decorated room. Riches gracing the room from one corner to the other and more striking tapestries showing years of history.

People were gathered in this room and many standing to the far left awaiting someone. Razeen nodded.

"Go in and await her enterance. try to be the first to stand if you are not already standing. Bow no matter who she beckons to her throne first, this will be noticed by her prime minister."

"Those standing to the right side of the room are people begging for aide. Magnus will not allow it to happen.. he steals from our people as much as that Evil witch does. The other knights will not swear alliegance until he does. He wishes to be her love match but she doesn't care for him. He is over twice her age but he is trying to get the people to impress upon her to marry in order to protect the kingdom."

Razeen looked to the lad one last time. "That scroll is from Agon, her late protector with the promise to send her a knight. I believe it is best in your hands."

 

[Sky Jade]

He paused for a moment in the doorway as he looked around at the elaborate throne room. He felt a pang of homesickness for a moment, as it reminded him of the throne room of the kingdom he came from. He shook the feeling off for the time being, looking back at Razeem as he spoke.

"He nodded softly every few moments to show he understood what was ebing told to him. He gave a smile and a bit of a bow to the guard after he finished.

"Thank you sir, for thinking of me as worthy for such a task. I will not let anything happen to the Lady."

He glanced towards Magnus for a moment, a slight frown on his face. He didn't quite understand politics, but he didn't believe what the man was doing was right. He took one last look around the room and make his way over to the group of people who were standing at the right, holding the scoll in his left hand protectively.

 

[landiek]

Razeen nodded to the young man then looked up as Jasona entered the throne room. She was wearing bright red with gold then her flowers and diamonds, she looked like a vision of fairytale.

The people all bowed or curtsied to the young princess as she lowered to her throne.

"On this day I ask once more, shall you knight plead allegience to me and my people?" Jasona faced the knights standing in full armor and banners.

Once more they looked to Magnus who shook his head no. None of them answered her, they only looked to the floor to keep their silence.

Jasona stood up furious. "Have We not one true Knight? One that will pledge their very life to their home and people. One that does not look to a blighter for permission to be noble?"

Razeen spoke "I Princess, I pledge myself!"

Jasona looked to the old man with a smile. "Be welcomed to the council of seven dear friend."

Razeen walked to the table where the prime minister sat, turned and bowed to Princess Jasona. He looked back at the lad and nodded hoping that he too would bow and gain the prime minister's attention.

"Are they any others that seek to honor the call of knighthood?" Jasona was almost in tears as she spoke. She hated the position that Magnus was pushing on her.

"If the Princess would consent to marriage, her worries of her kingdom would cease for a King would be the Protector." Magnus reminded the young girl with a smirk.

There was a grumbling among the people as they bantered that when a King was governing there was no fear of invading brigands

 

[Sky Jade]

John waited where he was, blinking for a moment as Jasona entered the throne room looking like a wonderful vision. He had figured she must have been of noble blood, but not to this degree. He took a deep breath for a moment and looked back and forth between the knights, Jasona, Magnus, and Razeen as they argued a bit.

As the grumbling began, he moved forward from where he was standing. He glanced over towards Razeen for a moment and then did something which he didn't think the old knight would expect. He knelt down in front of LAdy Jasona, bowing his head in respect.

"If I may be humble m'lady as to speak a few words, if you would allow me to."

He paused for a moment to hear an objection, but none could be heard. He felt every eye upon him now, and thought about his words carefully. He figured he would make a few enemies, but friends as well. He lifted his head up to look at the Lady as he began speaking.

"My name is John Robinson and I hail from the kingdom of Correnthia to the far north. I come from a noble line of knights, ten gerations long. True I am a young knight, and know little about politics as of yet, but I do not believe that merely being king would be enough to keep enemies such as brigands away. Such a thing would make the king only a figurehead without power. I believe a true leader's power from from his subjects, as well as his own courage, kindness, and the will to do what is right."

He paused for a moment and then pulled out the scroll, holding it towards the princess.

"I, John Robinson, pledge myself as a Knight to ye M'lady Jasona."