"Do you knight... Promise on your being. That you will defend this land and its king, do you swear on your good name that you will give your life to protect her, her people, and her goodwill?"

"I do"

"Lastly, do you thee knight solemnly swear on thy God in heaven you will answer to our great king even if thy king is unjust in his wordings?"

"I do"

"Please stand, Sir Frank, of his house and recite the knights' oath."

"I, knight Frank, promise on my faith that I will in the future be faithful to our lord, never cause him harm, and will observe my homage to him thoroughly against all persons in good faith and without deceit.

In the morning, it rained. In the afternoon, the droplets turned to fire. It was noon when I got in the wagon. Another wagon ride taking me to another village. My king has ordered a slaughter of these people for rebelling. Taxes became higher during the summer hurting local farmers and families. People like me come to set an example, not the king himself but me. A long time ago, this same kingdom was on the edge of extinction. It was people like me. Who brought it back. We knight, fighting for a man we chose to die for in our youth. If I could go back, I would've changed my wording. So I could kill him myself when I noticed how he was. I look as the soldiers get off the carriages and charges towards the village—a couple thousand of us for this small village with only one order. The townspeople have gathered in the center with their tools raised high. Some have gathered branches and small logs and made makeshift torches. Their leader walks forward as the crowd's chant grows louder. There are three other knights along with me. I was ordered to protect the king's son for this trip. He was told to watch the war, and I feel for this child; he is young and naive. Not ready to take over a kingdom like this. The lead knight steps forward towards the village leader. I scan the village and look into the townspeople's eyes. My helmet is on one side of me while I carry my sword with the other. Fully armored from head to toe, the clicking of my boots hit the soft ground as I walked with the other knights. We stand behind our leader as he speaks.

"The great king has ordered for all of you to resume paying his taxes and kneel before him. If you do not comply, we will be forced to use drastic measures."

I look over to our soldiers to see their faces; these men are ready to take and pillage this town—ruthless men who have seen things no man should. The townsmen leader spoke,

"We have given more than enough to the king, and he has done nothing by us. We demand we speak to him directly to make a compromise. Our people starve, our fields run dry our children suffer. We are suffering from less food to feed the army he sends after us. Please, we beg you all change your course and join us."

Our leader, named knight Joseph, walks forward, putting his helmet on.

"If you do not comply, then I am sorry."

He raises his hand to the sky, reaching for some shred of hope for these people. Then as if an act of mercy yells for us to charge while moving forward himself. The townspeople scream in fear. Some, the men only charge to meet our army. I run along with the king's son, a young man by this time and a sickening child. As he slices the peasants down, adding to the pile, I try my hardest to incapacitate as many as possible. But he does not. He tries his hardest to dismember and sever as many limbs as possible. A monster in the making, he took five before I could knock out one. Making me feel as if I was useless, but I know better. One person is all it takes to better this world, or at least that's what I tell myself to make the feeling go away. The sense of dread, these people don't deserve this, but I can't be the only one to save them. So I'll wait and plan my next move. All this thinking has made me lower my guard. A lucky man gets past me and attacks the king's son from behind. Before I can react, his sword is lost, and he is encircled. They waste no time slashing at him as I run over, trying my best to disperse the crowd. I stab a peasant, slice another through the stomach and let go of my sword, rushing to save him.

Fear in my heart, for if he died, I know I'd be the next one to die. My king gave a direct order, and I will not fail. I'm in the circle, and I notice him fist fighting back multiple peasants, holding them back all alone. He doesn't search for a way out but rushes his attackers. I sigh deeply, for I live to see another day until an arrow whizzes past my face aimed at him. I reach for him, but I'm too far. I scream for him, but he doesn't hear me. Then it happens. A tear rolls down my face as I watch it all happen. The arrow stops inches from his, practically touching his nose. I look in amazement, stunned by this sight. A miracle, it must be, for me to witness this great miracle, I begin praying to God. I thank him for his holiness and thank him for giving me another chance. I walk over to the arrow, pushing it out of the way. Then time returns. I fall over as the king's son crashes into me from his previous momentum. He looks angry, and he rises to his feet, cursing and shouting orders at me. I kneel before him to take my punishment if only he knew the truth.

The battle ended before it even began. We lost no men to the hundred villagers. The soldiers start pillage and take prizes from the now deserted area. Nothing but corpses litter the ground as they ransack and burn everything built. I sit by one of the many campfires spread across the territory. Some are used to burn the bodies. Others are used for food. I eat some food stashed in my cart brought from home. The homemade cooking of a wife could never be unsatisfactory. I take my first bite into the food and nearly fall back in amazement. I've chosen the perfect woman as my maiden. I dream of our times together and can't wait to return. The king's son walks over and sits next to my stump.

"Sir Francis is what they call you, right? He asked.

"Yes, my lord," I respond.

"I am no lord yet, but I'll see that you live long enough to see me make great riches out of this land. Tell me, why do you think my father chose you to protect me? Even when I can hold my own."

I ponder I never thought of that reason, and his facial expressions show that he got his answer.

"My father." he begins

"He may be old for a great king, but he knew he had no one to trust. But you were always there protecting him, defending his honor and his life. He trusts you more than anything, and he sees time has taken a toll on you. He told me of the stories about you. You were a great warrior that defended this great kingdom. You single handily fought back the empire and saved my father's life. He owes you. And you were only a child."

The fire crackles as he shifts his body in my direction. He was fully facing me now as if he expected some great response. I take another bite then speak up.

"I did what I had to do. I consider your father to be a brother. He was there for me no matter what, and it'll be that way until I die."

His eyes glow in the light brighter than the campfire, more brilliant than the burning houses. He considers me a hero. All the people in this land do. His father knew I could bring his son back in one piece and show him someone besides himself to look up to. In a world where people die without knowing who killed them. A world where even kids would be killed. He chose me to be an idol. So I will.

We ride back after the place stops burning. Some soldiers found women hiding and passed them around. After they have their use, we usually kill them, but some men have taken them back as enslaved people. The leader of our groups doesn't mind, so neither do I. I won't stop their happiness. We have a long trip ahead of us, and I don't think even the most celibate man can hold it in. Even married men dive into this illusion. Mind over body, I always say. Our duty is done. We must report back to our king for our next mission. Some of us may be relieved and able to go home. Not me. I know I won't see my family for a while. So we can take as long as we need to. I'd wish it that way. Sometimes I wish we never returned; that way, I could run back to my family and hide out. But they would find me. I can't hide that easily. Inside the carriage, we have all the knights used here. Myself, the king's son Cnut and the other three, our leader Joseph, and his two commander officers, Gabriel and Luke, sit in silence. Cnut speaks up first.

"That was lovely fun, and I hope my father rewards you all accordingly, but next time, I wish to lead my own expedition."

"This was no expedition. This was a waste of our time."

my voice quakes the whole tent.

No other man speaks. Only fear fills their eyes. Cnut smiles widely and leans back. His light armor flexes as he moves.

"I'm glad someone spoke up and said it. This seemed like a test, but I don't understand why he'd send so many of his good men for a trial with me. Father can be a pain sometimes."

Again the silence, it's as if I'm the only one who has any privilege to speak: Cnut's a kid. Surely, everyone isn't afraid of him. Right? I speak up.

"You're father is a great man. I won't let you sully his name."

Cnut laughs softly and returns to silence. His last words were under his breath. I don't think anyone else heard him but me, and what he said stunned me.

"I wish you were my father," he said.

I chose not to notice that remark. It would be better to ignore it than start an argument with the kid everyone fears. His father holds great power, and I won't be on the end of his sword. It's been years since I clashed with his father. I wonder who would win now. The only noise I hear is between Joseph and his generals as I drift off to sleep.

It's been hours since our last interaction. I'm awoken to Gabriel waking us up. He lifts the carriage flaps open, letting in sunlight.

"Were here," he says.

I feel stiff in my movement, and I notice Cnut laying on me. It seems he only feels safe around me in this tent. I wake him up and tell him we have arrived.

"It's too early for me to rise. I want to sleep in more," Cnut says, rolling onto the floor.

"Rise before I get your father."

"Ughh, don't get that boring old man," he says.

"Don't speak of the king that way and hurry up," I say.

I exit the carriage with my helmet and sword in hand. I begin stretching. I didn't expect to make it here this early. My family is far from the royal palace, but they visit. Being married to the greatest knight is an honor, some would say. Due to this, my family had grown close with the royal family. Cnut used to play alongside my daughter when they were little. That brings back memories of them running around this same area. I look to Cnut with soft eyes as he exits.

"Do you remember when you and lady K'layah would run around these very lands?" I ask.

"Of course, she would always beat me up if other kids bullied me. Then she would hurt them even harder. Your daughter had a representation about her. Is she still as fierce as her father?"

Cnut asks as we walk up the royal steps sharing a laugh.

"You can bet. K'layah takes after me in that regard. When I was her age, I would never lose a fight to this day; I still haven't. I expect the same from her." I say.

"She'd make a mean general if she ever chooses to. I know I won't be strong enough to force her to." I laugh at his response. K'layah is scary when she's angry. She could beat me in a fight now. I'm a lot older than I used to be. Hell, even in my prime, she could give me a run for my money. It doesn't help she's myself and her mother combined. We enter the royal palace and are welcomed by the guards. They direct us to where the king currently is. They state he's throwing a feast for our safe return. As we open the doors to the royal court, loud laughter banters throughout the halls. We can hear the king's bellows for miles, and he throws his hands up in surprise to see us.

"My loyal subjects and my brave son has returned. I've prayed for you both and to see you both here in one piece fills me with joy. Come, my son and sir Frank. I have news for you both," the king says.

We walk around the table and greet all in the royal family. We have Kelly, the royal queen Hazel and Agnes, the king's daughters, and the great king himself. Hazel, a young woman, can finally sit at the big table with us adults. Agnes, still a child, plays with her toys. Kelly manages the commanders, relieving them of their duty and awarding them. All at the table with servants assisting them. Hazel waves at me to come over. I do just that, and she whispers in my ear:

"I have waited for many moons for your return indeed; your wife can wait a little longer for you. I wish to have you in my chambers."

I pull back and blush. Hazel has always seen me as an admirer but never this boldly.

"I'm sure you don't want this old man. There must be some young buck who's willing to take you out on a date." I say.

"There are, but none are the hero like you," she says, twirling her hair.

I continue past her giving many excuses for her advances. My wife would have dealt with that for me like she always does. This begs my question for the king. We approach him and kneel. He takes out his right hand to God, and we kiss the ring accordingly.

"This is urgent and must be handled in secret. Follow me," the king says as we follow.

He takes us far into the depths of the palace, far from prying eyes and listening ears. When he is sure we are safe, he sits us down and speaks.

"Frank, you are my most loyal subject and my dearest friend. I've held every request you've given me to the highest priority. I only ask this one thing for you to ensure the safety of the kingdom and the future of my dynasty."

I'm astonished by his change of character. I've known him for years, and never once have I seen him so fearful.

"Anything, my friend."

"Can you give me your blessing to marry Cnut to your daughter? The realm as we know it is in shambles, and to create excellent stability, I wish to merge our families to bridge the gap between peasants and the royal family. A future king marrying the hero's daughter could grant me the trust of the people I need. They look up to you, and having you be the guest of honor, for the feats would lower the revolt risk within the realm."

I take a step back. My daughter is not some standard tool for him to use. Anger fills me for the first time I've known him. How could he make me promise a thing? Throwing away my daughter's choice and hand in marriage, I grab the edge of a chair close to me, hiding my face. I look to Cnut, and his facial expressions shows he didn't know his father's plan at all. He looks just as stunned as I am. I hesitate, stepping back slowly. He noticed this and said.

"Please.... Remember your oath. I promise no harm will come to K'layah. I ask this not as your king but as your friend. The kingdom needs this, and it won't be for too long."

"I can't promise anything. My daughter is strong-willed like her father. So if she declines, I'm sorry, but I will try," I say.

I quickly made that up. I release the chair from my grip and stand there motionless.

"Thank you, my friend. I promise this is for the better of the realm," he says.

I stand there for what feels like hours—moving back and forth—repeating that phrase. For the better of the realm for the better of the realm. For the better. Of the realm.