The morning sun crested over the spires of Eldor Castle, its light spilling across the glittering ramparts and waking Sir Richard from his slumber. He rose from his bed, dressed swiftly in a leather tunic and chainmail, then made his way to the stables, where his loyal destrier Boreas stamped and snorted, awaiting his rider.
"Easy, my friend," Richard soothed the stallion as he readied his saddle. Once equipped, he led Boreas from the stables and out into the bustling lower bailey. Farmers and servants were already doing their daily tasks under the watchful eyes of the castle guards. Richard nodded greetings to the people he passed, his eyes scanning for a familiar face.
There, across the yard, deep in conversation with a carpenter, stood Sir William, his chestnut hair gleaming in the sunlight. At nearly seven feet in height and broad shoulders, William cut an intimidating figure. Yet beneath his sturdy frame beat a heart as gentle as a lamb's, though fierce as any lion's, when roused to battle. He was Richard's dearest friend, proven faithful a hundred times over through years of adventure across Eldoria's wilderness.
William sensed Richard's approach and broke into a grin. "Good morning, my friend! The king has summoned us."
"What for, I wonder?" said Richard as they mounted their steeds.
They rode through Eldor's high gates and up a winding road toward the granite castle overlooking the city. Its towers loomed against a cloudless blue sky, banners snapping in the breeze. Within the walls, a hive of activity buzzed as lords and ladies went about their routines.
Richard and William left their horses with grooms and made their way to the throne room, passing painted windows depicting Eldoria's legends. There upon a stone dais sat King Lionheart, his golden crown glinting as he peered down at a large, rolled map before him. At his side stood Lady Isabeau, counselor and confidant, her dark eyes as keen as any hawk's.
"Your Graces," Richard and William bowed low.
The king beckoned them forward. "I have grave news, my friends. Word has come that the dark warlord Drefan plans to bring all of Eldoria under his dominion. His armies multiply like weeds, while courage and faith wane in these people. There is only one thing that can defeat such corruption."
He pointed to a place marked on the map with an ornate symbol. "The Holy Bible, first scribed by God's own hand, is said to rest here in an ancient crypt. I task you both to take a company of knights, journey hence, and return with our salvation. This book alone holds the power to vanquish Drefan's evil forever. What say you? Will you accept this most perilous of quests?"
Richard and William exchanged a glance, forming a lifetime of bonds in that single glance, then dropped to their knees and drew their swords. "We will not fail you, my liege," vowed Richard. "By God's light, we go to find our deliverance."