3: THE KNIGHT
Nick and Howie spun around in shock to stare at the speaker. Standing before them in the snow was a knight, or he had least had the armour, a bow and a rather sharp looking sword. He also wore a pair of purple tinted sunglasses.
“We’re just looking for a place to stay, good knight. We’ve travelled a long way and we need a place to rest,” Nick replied.
“No one ever comes to the village of Cockdown,” the knight snapped. “What do you really want?”
“We’re just passing through and we’ll be gone tomorrow morning.”
The knight eyed Nick warily. His eyes rested upon his sheath.
“You have a sword,” he commented.
“That’s right, for protection,” Nick said.
“What are you? A warrior?”
“No, I’m a prince.”
He saw the knight tense slightly and he looked confused.
“But how are you-”
“My name’s Nick,” the prince replied, cutting him off.
“Nick? Oh I thought you were – never mind, doesn’t matter. Where are you from?”
“The kingdom of Lurai.”
“Sounds a pretty place, but I’ve never heard of it,” the knight said. “You don’t look much like a prince and I would have thought that you’d have something a little more elegant than THAT!” He pointed at Howie the donkey.
“Hey! Watch it tin can!” Howie snapped. “I’m not just any donkey! I’m a talking donkey. And a duke,” he added smugly.
“What witchcraft is this? Is it the devil?” the knight said, drawing his sword.
“No, no, no,” Nick said, quickly putting himself between Howie and the knight. “This is my friend Howie. He had a spell put on him by a sorcerer which turned him into a donkey.”
The knight scrutinized Howie suspiciously but replaced his sword.
“Proceed prince and enchanted donkey. There is an inn along the road. You will be leaving tomorrow?” the knight asked.
“Yes,” Nick replied.
“Safe journey,” the knight said, before turning and walking away.
“Hey, wait!” Nick called, but the knight did not even glance back.
Nick shrugged and he and Howie then made their way to the inn, ‘The Cursed Prince’. This really was a desolate town.
Inside, it was a cosy place lit by candles. Nick gave the innkeeper several gold coins in exchange for a room.
“No donkeys,” the innkeeper said, pointing at Howie.
“But I’m not really a - ” Howie began.
Nick used one of his hands to shut Howie’s mouth.
“Do you have a barn or a stable?” he asked.
“Stable?!” came Howie’s muffled reply.
“Round the back,” the innkeeper said.
The stables turned out to be little more than a row of dilapidated sheds filled with grubby hay.
“No way am I sleeping in there!” Howie said. “That’ll mess up my coat and my lovely hair! I spent ages getting clean in that lake!”
“It’ll have to do. It’s only for one night,” Nick said, pushing Howie into the stable and shutting the door before Howie could complain anymore.
The next morning, the snow had cleared but it was still icily cold outside. Before leaving, Nick asked the innkeeper if he knew of any castle nearby.
“Leave by the north gate and follow the path into the mountains,” the innkeeper replied.
Nick felt his heart leap. His princess was so close! Soon he would never be lonely again!
He thanked the innkeeper and then retrieved a grumpy Howie from the stable.
“That’s no place for a duke to sleep! It was so cold last night and I have a twinge in my back!” Howie complained.
Nick had to put up with complaints as they walked towards the north gate. Ahead he could see the craggy mountains and where the path led through them. He wondered how long it would be before he could see the castle of his beloved.
As they were about to leave the village, a thin figure dropped down in front of them.
“Prince Nick. Donkey Howie,” the knight greeted.
“We’re leaving now, like I said,” Nick replied.
“Then you must fight me.”
“What? Why?”
“I guard the north gate. No one passes unless they defeat me in battle. Draw your swords, prince! I challenge you!”
The knight drew his sword. Nick did the same.
“Nick! What are you doing? You’ll be killed!” Howie said. “Come on now guys, can’t we all just get along?”
Nick and the knight ignored him. As far as Nick was concerned, if he had to fight this knight to reach his princess, then so be it.
For a second, neither man moved. Each one watched the other. Then they both sprung forward at once, slashing madly with their swords. The clangs of metal upon metal echoed throughout the valley.
“Boy, boys! Let’s talk about this! There’s no need to fight!” the donkey said. But no one listened to him.
Suddenly the knight reined a mighty blow upon Nick’s sword. Nick cried out as his the blow knocked his own sword from his grasp and away behind him, narrowly missing Howie.
The knight pointed his sword forward at Nick.
“You have lost, prin-” he said, but suddenly he stepped forward and slipped on a piece of horse dung, landing right on his butt in the mud.
Nick grabbed his own sword and aimed it at the knight.
“Actually, I think I’ve won, knight!”
“Hey! That’s not fair!”
Nick grinned. “I’m sorry but I must be going. I have a princess to find. Her castle is in these mountains and I wish to find it as soon as possible,” Nick said, walking through the gate followed by Howie.
“Hey! You can’t pass - Did you say princess?”
“Yes, I’m looking for the beautiful princess Brianna.”
The knight smiled slightly. “And you’re going to the castle on the mountains guarded by the sorcerer?”
“Yes for that is where my fair lady awaits me. Do you know her?”
“I know of the one who dwells in that castle, yes. I am the loyal servant of the – owner – of that castle. My name is Alexusharriusjennamus Mcleanus. Now you have beaten in me battle, I will lead you to your love,” he said.
“Uh, sure thanks. Is it far, uh, Alexussurh - ” Nick said, stammering over the long name.
“Alexusharriusjennamus Mcleanus,” the knight said. “No it is a few days journey from here. I know the way.”
“Okay. Can I call you AJ for short?”
“I guess,” the knight said, leading them up the path, grinning.
Walking behind him, Nick and Howie could not see the smirk on his face or hear the words he whispered.
“Princess Brianna, eh?” he said, quietly with a laugh. “Oh, I can’t wait to see his face when he finds out!”
*****************************