Chapter: A Knight's Choice
The air in the halls of Evergreen Keep was thick with the scent of damp stone and old parchment. Torches flickered in their iron sconces, casting long shadows against the high walls. Sir Eric John moved with steady strides, his boots clicking softly against the stone floor as he made his way to his father's study. The weight of his decision pressed heavily on his shoulders, and though he had rehearsed this conversation a hundred times in his mind, he could not shake the unease in his chest.
The oak door stood before him, sturdy and unwavering—just like the man beyond it. Lord Edric John was not one to be swayed easily, nor was he a man who entertained the whims of youth. Eric took a breath, straightened his shoulders, and knocked.
"Enter," came the firm voice from inside.
Eric pushed the door open, stepping into the dimly lit study. Books lined the walls, thick tomes of history, law, and records of their house. His father sat behind a grand desk, quill in hand, scribbling on parchment. Lord Edric barely looked up.
"Eric," he greeted, his voice level, measured. "You took your time coming."
Eric closed the door behind him, standing before his father like a soldier awaiting orders. "I needed to think."
Lord Edric set his quill aside and finally met his son's gaze. His eyes, cold as steel, studied Eric with the scrutiny of a man who saw weakness as a thing to be stamped out. "And what have you decided?"
Eric clenched his fists. "I want to go with Prince Raizel to Castle Rosemary."
His father leaned back in his chair, folding his hands over his chest. "No."
The answer was immediate, absolute.
Eric stiffened. "Why?" he demanded, unable to keep the frustration from his voice. "I'm a knight of the First Shields. My duty is to the prince—"
"Your duty is to this house," Lord Edric interrupted, his voice calm but firm. "And I have made arrangements for your future. You will join the Swords of Aronis."
The words hit like a blow to the gut. Eric took a step back, disbelief flashing across his face. "The Swords of Aronis?" His voice was barely above a whisper. "That order is for men who leave the kingdom for life! I won't see home again—I won't see my family again!"
Lord Edric's expression remained unchanged. "It is a great honor."
"It is exile!" Eric shot back, his anger rising. "Why would you send me away?"
His father sighed, as if speaking to a child who did not yet understand the world. "Because it is what is best for you. You are young, reckless. You believe your loyalty to the prince outweighs your duty to your house. But a knight of House John serves the kingdom first. Not a single prince."
Eric gritted his teeth. "This is not about the kingdom. This is about you controlling my life."
Lord Edric narrowed his eyes. "This is about securing your future. The First Shields are temporary, a place for young men to prove themselves. The Swords of Aronis will give you purpose beyond these walls, beyond this land. You will see the world, understand its dangers. And in time, you will learn that I was right."
Eric shook his head. "I will not go."
"You will," his father said coolly. "Tomorrow, you will ride to the coast, where you will board a ship bound for the western shores. You will leave Aronis behind and serve with honor."
A silence settled between them, thick and suffocating. Eric's breath was unsteady, his heart pounding. He knew his father's word was law within these walls. There was no reasoning with him. No changing his mind.
So there was only one choice left.
"I will not be forced into exile," Eric said, his voice quiet but firm. "I would rather forsake my knighthood than let you dictate my fate."
Lord Edric's gaze darkened. "Careful, boy," he warned. "There is no coming back from those words."
Eric hesitated for only a moment before taking a step back. "Then I will not come back."
His father watched him, the flickering candlelight casting sharp lines across his face. There was no anger, no outburst just a slow, deliberate nod.
"Then go," Lord Edric said simply. "But do not return to this house seeking shelter. A man who abandons his duty is no son of mine."
Eric swallowed hard, but he did not allow himself to falter. He turned on his heel and strode out of the study, his mind made up. The weight of his father's words sat heavily on his chest, but the fire of defiance burned stronger.
The morning sky was painted in hues of gold and crimson as the carriages were prepared for departure. Prince Raizel stood near his horse, speaking with his attendants, his golden hair catching the early light. The courtyard bustled with movement, knights of the First Shields mounting their steeds, servants loading supplies onto the wagons. It was a day of departure, a day of new beginnings.
Eric stood at a distance, hidden among the stone archways, watching. He had made his choice. He would leave the kingdom, but not on his father's terms. He would go on his own path, free from the chains that bound him.
But before he left, he needed to say goodbye.
He stepped forward, weaving through the courtyard, his heart pounding with every step. Raizel turned at his approach, his blue eyes lighting up with recognition.
"Eric," the prince greeted, his tone warm. "I was beginning to think you wouldn't come."
Eric forced a small smile. "I wouldn't miss this," he said, though there was a weight in his words.
Raizel studied him for a moment, his expression shifting. "Something happened, didn't it?"
Eric hesitated, but in the end, he simply nodded. "I won't be coming with you to Castle Rosemary."
The prince frowned. "Why not? Your place is with us—"
"It was," Eric interrupted gently. "But not anymore."
Raizel's eyes darkened with understanding. "Your father."
Eric nodded again.
A silence stretched between them, filled only by the distant sounds of men preparing to ride. Then, after a long moment, Raizel sighed and placed a hand on Eric's shoulder. "I won't pretend to understand what this means for you," he said, his voice quieter now. "But wherever you go, whatever path you choose, know that you are my friend. That will not change."
Eric felt a lump rise in his throat, but he swallowed it down, offering a small smile. "And you are mine."
Raizel gave him one last look before stepping away, mounting his horse with practiced ease. The prince glanced back once, and Eric raised a hand in farewell.
As the procession began to move, Eric stood watching, his hand still raised. He watched until the banners of House Rose disappeared over the hill, until the sound of hooves faded into the wind.
Then, with one last glance at the walls of Evergreen Keep, Eric turned and walked away.