My story

Hey guys, I may be a newbie, but I am also an aspiring author. I have been working on my current story since last May. It is really long (85 pages) and so it may take few posts... Well, here goes!
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Introduction.
I started off writing this book with an intent on just finishing a book. After about of year of writing on and off, I began to get different feelings about it. To start off, this book is very graphic. For the longest time, I have wanted people to see the truth of medieval times. Battles were gruesome, more so than battles of today. Therefore, I wanted the reader to feel that they were in a real battle, the rush of thoughts and the visual explanations.
Next, I started to put my own personal philosophy into the book. The way the characters react and analyze situations and events was crucial to me. I felt that if the reader got to understand what the character thought, they would feel more attached to them. This was another thing I tried to elaborate on, character personality and development. Through events in their lives, I tried to give the reader a chance to see the life of these people through their eyes.
Finally, this is a Christian book. But not in the sense of the word. The people in this book believe in God, the One and Only, but their fights are not only against the physical, but the spiritual. In this book, there is magic, and magic is very clearly defined as evil in the Bible. Over fifty scripture references tell you not to even tamper in the dark arts.
Therefore, I have clearly portrayed magic as evil in this book. Make no mistake, I have intended it to be so. But, since Satan has power such as magic, should not God have Power much greater than that of the devil? The answer of course is yes. Yet again, make no mistake that the lead character is only getting his power from heaven. God has Power, and that Power is great. He is great and mighty and I have taken this power and shown it in a way of fantasy.
So please, without deterring you further, enjoy the story that I have poured my mind and heart into...
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A Knight’s Tale
1.
The Burning Village
Kalin looked into the sky as the black clouds swirled around, forming a funnel above a small town, roughly three miles west of the castle. His whole life he had served the King, along with his father and his father before him. It was a dark night and the rain never ceased. The mighty droplets plummeted from the sky onto the ground, creating an almost soothing tone.
Kalin was a knight of middle rank; he had a small group of about nine men under his command. There was Tyris Calcitone, a second-in-command lancer of the group, Kilik Harkorn, a knight with a warrior’s spirit, Cortinis Dragonfire, a younger knight-in-training but taken care of and respected by the group, Kalin’s little brother. Raane Falipson, an orphan from a respectable family, he asks for no special treatment for he finds his name disgracing. Gornin Ronis, the kill them all type, Magis Valkinio, a very mysterious warrior from a forgotten village. Kaehl Yarrionus, a master archer of the highest rank in his village. Crysts Sannda, a very determined young woman who strives to prove herself as a worthy knight. Finally, there was Valis Halips’ai, a warrior monk.
Kalin looked at the sky, he thought of his past. How his father was leaning on a fallen column after a horrid battle. He clutched his chest as if it go away if he let it. Blood seeped through his fingers; his eyes were going hazy. He looked at Kalin and spoke for the last time.
“Son…never forget your name…you are a Dragonfire, your great-grandfather was given that name by the King, symbolizing his everlasting service…You must continue that oath…Never forsake your name…You are…a…warrior…protect…the kingdom…and…Cortinis…”
For a long time, Kalin just hugged his father’s lifeless body. Then he stood up and walked away, rain pouring on his face as it was now. He remembered his long days of training, how he strived to become the best and he succeeded. His name was to be carried on… Kalin took a deep breath and sighed. He leaned back against the stone wall of the castle. The existing castle had been built upon the foundation of the fallen one his father had died protecting. It lifted a great weight knowing he was doing what was meant for him. He smiled and yet he began to feel the tears streak down his cheeks along with the rain.
“Father…why? I cannot keep doing this! Cortinis is doing well. He should be knight status in no time, you would be proud. I have men under me now, I am on my way to becoming a general, just like you…Just like you…”
Kalin closed his eyes ridding himself of his last tears and looked away as if hiding from someone. He heard footsteps amongst the rain and turned to see Magis standing beside him facing downward. He wore a green hood over his head that came from the top of his cloth shirt. His armor was light with just the bare minimum over his green long sleeved shirt that tied around the waist. It flowed to the ground creating a skirt-like look that allowed a lot of movement. At his belt hung a sword; Magis, using a special material called mognite carved its blade. It had a purple glow and on it was inscribed the name of his city and the words “I will never forget” in his ancient language. Finally, after a long silence he looked up at me, sympathy in his dark blue eyes. His face revealed everything,
“I understand what you are going through. I too lost my parents…Along with my city.”
Kalin could not help but smile,
“Yes, we all know about your city…” After a long silence Kalin spoke again “Why are you really here? You could be sleeping with the others.”
Magis nodded. He leaned back against the stone wall next to Kalin. He suddenly spoke out what seemed like what he had been holding back from everyone for two years.
“Do you think I could get my city rebuilt? Could I actually become high enough in rank that I could see the King?” He looked down again. “The truth is…I have forgotten…I don’t remember my city at all…I’ve been gone so long…Kalin, you have to promise that whatever happens…you and me will always be side by side, fighting together. I know it is a lot to ask, but this is all I have left! Fighting for the King is all I have left… I couldn’t stand losing this too.”
Kalin looked deep into Magis’s eyes. He knew this man better than most. Suddenly a large cry came from the city with the tornado. Kalin looked to see the town on fire! He climbed up a ladder hanging to his left; it led to a tower where at the top was a torch. He lit the torch, which traveled to the next and the next until it was surrounding the castle lit at all six of the towers. A commanding knight rushed into the General’s quarters and told him of the situation.
In minutes most of the knights were up and putting on their armor. Kalin was ordered to take his group first. As they hopped onto horses, they galloped off and down the muddy road at high speeds until they reached the town’s boarders. Inside they saw King Vance’s knights ransacking and burning homes. People would fight back only to be killed. Kalin told his men to split into two groups of three and four and Kalin would take three. They each rode off in different directions. Kalin, Cortinis, and Raane went through a main street market in the town and met up with three knights who were stealing the gold a man lying dead must have been selling. Kalin hopped off his horse as did his brother and Raane. Vance’s knights were called “Kingdom Knights” as the knights who serve King Farron were called “Crown Knights.” The Kingdom Knights all wore a blue cape, which was strapped to their shoulders. It hung around the back of their necks with the symbol of a griffin holding a sword in one talon and a shield in the other. They wore a blue died armor over their chest and had chain link leggings and arms. They wore blue leather gloves and were each given a standard sword except if they were of higher rank.
They each ran up to one of the knights, swords drawn. Kalin slashed forward but the sword of the knight blocked his attack. Raane’s first attack was also reflected but he flipped around and confused the enemy as he shoved his sword through his stomach, killing the man. Cortinis slashed to the right first off and cut deep into the man’s shoulder. He then cut diagonally down across the man’s stomach and to his waist. Kalin finally flipped over the man and stabbed behind himself and through the man’s back. They each held their sword out ready to fight if the need came. Kalin nodded to them and ran forward, as did they.
Many dead knights lay around while other Crown Knights fought them. Kalin saw an old friend from the training academy lying on the ground outside of a huge town hall. He had glass in one of his shoulders and a deep sword wound in his stomach. He looked up at Kalin as he leaned down.
“Kalin…In the…hall…ugh…General…be…wa…re…” Kalin closed the knight’s eyes and paused for a moment and then stood up only to see another knight fly out of the door of the town hall. He had a deep wound in his side and a gash in his forehead he was dead. Kalin looked at Cortinis and Raane. They understood as he began to walk into the hall.
Inside the town hall, there were dead knights from both sides but in the center amongst the broken glass and fallen tables stood a huge man in black armor. His helmet had small spikes lining the middle all the way to his neck. His black cape had the griffin symbol; he was definitely a general. His black chest plate also had the Vance’s symbol on it. His arms and legs also had the jet-black armor. His hands were holding a gigantic broad sword against his shoulder. He spoke with a deep voice that had a sinister tone to it.
“So another knight wishes to fight? Oh, so he has friends. Tell me something, do you want to die? I will let you go.”
Kalin remembered his friend and how he died. He finally made up his mind as he drew his sword. He ran forward and slashed left, then right, then up, then down. Each time he only hit the mighty sword. Raane to ran up and slashed but the general had no trouble. Somehow, he could use the sword with amazing speed. Finally Cortinis ran up and added to the attacking. The general finally was fed up with this and in one swift stroke slashed Cortinis across the chest and sent him crashing out a window onto the street.
As Crysts, Kilik, Tyris, Gornin, Magis, Kaehl, and Valis all met up outside the town hall rumored to have a mighty general inside, they saw Cortinis fly out the window a deep gash in his stomach. Crysts ran up to him, saw the wound, and suddenly began to cry… Kalin rushed out the fallen door to see his brother. He saw Crysts crying and picked up his brother’s head. Cortinis looked at Kalin with a painful look
“Father would be proud of you…I’ll be okay…Don’t worry…Just promise…you’ll kill…that general.” Kalin smiled and put Cortinis down. He looked at Crysts
“Take him back to the castle, tell the general that he is a Dragonfire. This will convince him.” Kalin handed her a small necklace with a symbol off a dragon breathing fire on it; she quickly picked up Cortinis and told Valis to come with her… While Crysts ran off with Valis, Kalin stood up and burning with anger walked back into the hall. Again, the general laughed at how he was being challenged but never the less, he accepted. Kalin cracked his neck and his fingers then picked up his sword and readied himself. Before the fight began, Magis walked in and held up his sword.
“Like I said Kalin, I’ll always fight beside you.”
Kalin smiled because he knew he would need the help. The two smiled at each other and charged at the general. Immediately Magis jumped back and let Kalin have the first wave of failed attacks. Then when he tired, Kalin would back out for Magis to take over. After a long process, the general finally weakened and Magis who had found an open joint in the armor sliced his arm. The general screamed in pain and backed away a few feet, holding his wound. He cursed them, picked up his mighty sword, and charged. The general swung hard at Kalin and he took the hit in the face. Kalin was hurled back by the blow. He felt a scar all the way across his face from his right eye across his nose to his cheek. Blood spilled from the wound. Kalin burned with anger again and ran up to the general slashing faster and more aggressively than ever. Finally the general lost his guard and Kalin found another joint in his armor. Finding the perfect opportunity, he dug his sword deep into the stomach of the general. The general seemed to stop for a moment and looked at his new wound with surprise. The blood seeped from around the blade of the sword now in his stomach. He pulled it out wincing at the pain. He stumbled backward and fell, lifeless.
Kalin stood, his eyes searching around the room. He had done it! He walked up to where his sword lay and picked it up. He sheathed the blood stained blade and walked out of the town hall and the city…As a hero…

Sorry for the double post, but the name of my story is "A Knight's Tale" as I hoped you read. This is the first (and shortest) chapter. As the story progresses, I hope you see that so did my talent. Thanks for reading! I will post the next chapter every so once in a while...

Thank you very much! I think I will post the second chapter now! (this is when things start to get long...)
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2.
A Hero Recognized by a King
He had never understood why the King found such interest in this certain family. Was it the honor? The bravery? Or perhaps the Courage? The King’s Overseer Colaane sat down in his golden chair placed beside the chair of the King so he could give him his judgement while he sat at his throne. This question had been causing him so much grief for many years. Finally, it hit him,
“Ah, yes! The father did have extraordinary skills! They are…different. From most men at least. Their bloodline is amazing!” However, something else came to him, “Has the King actually…used them? Does he use them for their abilities? What does he think they posess? Which leaves one more question…what of young Kalin…”?

• • •
Kalin stood before the King on one knee. He was being knighted, as he was when he had defeated the leader of a group trying to attack a cart of food heading to a different kingdom. He was being raised in rank. A lieutenant first class. He now had many men under him. One more step towards becoming a general…father…Tyris and the others were also being knighted, on their way to becoming lieutenants themselves. Kalin was required to wear a new outfit; it was nice he liked it. It had golden shoulder and arm armor. His legs too had gold armor. He wore a white shirt that covered his chest. He also wore a light chain mail over the shirt for protection. His sword was taken away and he was given a longer blade and wider to. It was a smaller version of a broad sword. He wore white leather gloves when he needed to. His outfit was comfortable and required to wear all the time.
As Kalin walked into the courtyard inside the castle, he walked up a spiral staircase in a small tower that opened to a corridor with three doors. Two were the kitchen and dining hall, the third was the infirmary. He slowly walked across the stone floor, his golden boots clanking and echoing around the hall. He opened the wooden door and as it opened, he saw Cortinis lying on a wooden bed with a sheet hung over it. The sheet was stained with blood. His brother slowly opened his eyes and when he saw Kalin, he smiled.
“Look who got knighted! What are you now? Dad would be proud…ugh” He winced in pain and grabbed at his chest. Blood still dripped from the wound but it was healing. Kalin’s smile turned into a held back cry. He did not say it and he did not need to hear it from anyone else…His brother was dying. He pulled himself together and spoke,
“…How do you feel? Do you need anything?”
Cortinis’s eyes began to fill with tears as he finally realized what was going to happen. He told his twenty-year-old brother to come here and they hugged tightly. Kalin pulled back and looked at his brother. The tears poured down his face,
“I have decided you are now a knight. Your bravery at the battle proved your worth...” Kalin could almost not bare it any longer, but he finished his sentence, “Father…would be very proud of you Cortinis. You have overcome the obstacles that blocked your path. Not only father…but I am proud of you.”
Cortinis smiled at that and said his final words before his brother left,
“Kalin…fulfill father’s dream. Become the general he wanted us to be. We have warrior’s blood coursing through our veins, I know you can do it. Brother…I love you, go with God.”
As Kalin left the infirmary, he thought about those last words “Go with God.” What did they mean? He had long been a devoted Christian as was his brother. His father took them to an “Underground Christian Church” for he said that the religion was not tolerated. Kalin went as often as he could and finally bought a Bible to further his Christian walk. He did not mean to hide his faith, if anyone asked, he would tell him or her.
As he walked around the stone courtyard, he decided to go to his new quarters. Kalin walked up to a large stone corridor whose door was cut out and was just an open pathway. He stepped into the corridor. His boots again made echoing noises all the way down the hall. He stepped in front of the first door on his left and opened it. Inside was his room. He had a nice feather bed with new sheets. His mirror was above a small desk on the far right wall. Red carpeting spread the whole lengths of the floor. On the left wall beside his bed was a note on a small desk meant for that purpose. Beside the note was the necklace he had given to Crysts. He put it on. Kalin sat down on the bedside and found it comfortable. He picked up the note and it read
Kalin, what was the necklace you gave me? The general was so shocked he went berserk when it took more than a minute to get your brother treated! What is it about your family? By the way, I heard you too were knighted to Lieutenant First Class congratulations. I have been missing you a lately. Where have you been wandering? I waited at the tree for an hour! Kalin if there is something wrong…You can talk to me, okay? -With Love, Crysts
Kalin smiled. He had met Crysts at that underground church. They had been very good friends for many years until it developed into something more during the academy. He loved her very much and had a ring waiting for the right time. He put the note down and got off the bed. He fell to his knees, put his hands together, and began to pray.
“God, please help me. So many things are punishing me that I cannot handle it. My brother is going to die! Why him? It will be like when my father died, only this time I will be completely alone. I strive to be like my father, but it is just so hard. God, forgive me of my sins, when I kill it seems I get a higher rank! I don’t understand it. God I love you more than anything else and I pray you will help me find a way out. In your name I pray, Amen.”
With that Kalin took off his armor and lay down to sleep…

• • •
During the night, a man stole through the darkness of the courtyard. He walked up the steps of a small tower with lightning speed and little sound. He wore a black ninja outfit. He was an assassin. The assassin walked down the corridor and opened the door to the infirmary. He walked up to Cortinis and as he woke the he screamed but his mouth was covered as the ninja stabbed a knife into the boy’s stomach, killing him.
The assassin lightly jumped into a window of the castle and the light of the burning torches hurt his eyes. He was one of the best. The ninja strode up to a golden chair where Corlaane sat and as he walked by, he murmured
“It is done…”
After that, the ninja was gone into the darkness. Corlaane smiled and walked into the royal chambers where the King was supposed to be sleeping. Three other ninjas stepped from out of the darkness, a knife in each hand. Corlaane waved them off and they faded back into the darkness they came from. He walked over to the king’s bed and immediately the powerful voice of King Farron
“Well?”
Corlaane smiled in the darkness,
“It is done. As you wished your majesty. I have but one question.”
The King stood up and lit a lamp. He was fully dressed in a white “diamond” armor as it was called. It covered his entire body except for his head. His silver hair and green eyes gave him a vicious look. He carried two swords. He called them the silver clouds. Their blades were made of silver but when they came out of the fire, the blades were white. They were a five inches wide and three feet long. He used them with expertise.
“Well, what is the question?”
Corlaane chose his words wisely
“Why kill the boy sire? Only one Dragonfire is left! What is to become of Kalin? Will you kill him too? Or do you let him get even more powerful than his father had? Persuading him and lying to him just to use his special capabilities!”
A ninja had a knife to his throat in seconds but the king told him to back away. Farron walked up to Corlaane and looked him in the eye.
“So you have been realizing my plan. Tell anyone and you will assuredly be dead.”
Corlaane laughed, where other overseers had armor he did not, he wore no armor. His white leather gloves were trained to handle two short swords. He wore a white robe like that of Magis. Underneath the robe, he wore a red long sleaved shirt that covered his arms. The robe also covered his legs. A belt tied the robe at his waist where his two short swords were sheathed. Corlaane was the best assassin until king Farron hired him. He is still considered the best. Corlaane continued to laugh
“No one has even come close to killing me. No one ever will.” After that Corlaane walked away to get some sleep…
Kalin awoke in the morning when a young female squire shook him. He looked at her with tired eyes; he had had a horrid dream and was upset by being woken up.
“Well, what is it?”
The squire was apparently frightened but she calmed down.
“You are Kalin Dragonfire…right? I have come to inform you that…It hurts me to tell you this but, your brother Cortinis died during the night.”
She then left the room. Kalin could barely breathe as he threw on his armor with amazing speed. He ran to the infirmary in seconds and stood panting at the doorway, looking at his brother’s dead body. Kalin immediately overcame his fatigue as he threw his arms around his brother. He couldn’t stop from crying. After a few minutes, Crysts walked into the room and saw Kalin kneeling next to his dead brother. She walked up Kalin and when he realized it was she, he whirled around and hugged her tightly. They both stood there, crying. Quietly Kalin murmured Why him…Why…? He was all I had left…
After a while Kalin looked back at the Cortinis’s body. He then saw the dagger wound. His mind rushed with thoughts of what could have happened. He turned back to Crysts,
“He was killed! It was no accident, he was murdered.”
Crysts nodded,
“I know. It was that general…remember?”
Kalin shook his head,
“No! I mean in the middle of the night! He has a fresh dagger wound in his stomach!”
In minutes, Kalin was in the throne room kneeling before King Farron. He stood and looked straight at the king, he was going to waste no time.
“Your majesty. I beg you to let me take ten men…no…nine men, and destroy the nearest of King Vance’s outposts. I believe he has assassinated my brother in the night.”
Farron smiled,
“I have heard. My sympathy goes with you, I give you permission.”
As Kalin left, Corlaane walked up from the shadows. The King looked at him and began to laugh.
“My plan is working perfectly! He is blinded by his rage! How could someone make it into the courtyard? All is working to our advantage Corlaane. Soon he will gain much trust in me and become a most loyal servant, I mean General! Hahaha! Soon I will be able to control this power his family has.”
Corlaane was quick to reply,
“What if he finds out, like his father? If he is strong like his father he may not be so easy to…eliminate.”
Farron thought for a moment but then sighed.
“As before with his father. I will let you destroy him.”
Corlaane smiled,
“It would be my pleasure, sire!”
King Farron waved off Corlaane and sat down in his throne. The chair was completely made with gold, showing his power. Lining the edges of the arms and legs were small diamonds, showing his wealth. The King rarely wore his crown, which had a red velvet cap protected by four bars of gold the united at the top. Trimming the gold bars were diamonds. The King picked up the crown and paced it lightly on his head; he was feeling very high and mighty today…
Kalin ran from the throne room and into the barracks where he had told his group to wait for him, suited up. He looked at them all as the anger flowed through his body.
“Let’s go. If anybody has any objections, speak up now.”
Valis stepped forward; he had a black robe on which also had shoulder armor. The robe had red silk trim giving him a respectable look. On his fists were black gloves with black died iron knuckles. The knuckles, however, were spikes. He only wore those gloves when he knew he would need them.
“Kalin, stop for a moment and think this out! You are not a heartless killer, not like that King!”
Kalin shot back at him, he had never been angry with anyone of them, not like this.
“What would you know? How can you speak against the King! He has been nothing but kind and gentle to you and me! Valis, you stay here!”
Suddenly Tyris stepped forward. Tyris was a lifelong friend of Kalin; they had been born and raised as friends. He had chosen the path of a lancer, skilled in the arts of the spear, many say that in ancient legends, lancers protected the world from dragons. His silver armor covered his entire body. His spear was a special one, the long handle was carved from mognite, and the blade was carved into the shape of a small dagger. Two inches from the tip of the one-foot blade, the blade split into three forming a three-bladed spear. His helmet went around his head and stopped at the sides, but at the top, it formed a point an inch away from his face. Shooting back from both sides were two long strips of metal carved to look like wings. He was the best lancer known in Farron’s kingdom of Lalilce.
“Kalin, what are you doing? I know you! This is not what the normal Kalin would do! Think… what would your father do? He wouldn’t do suck a foolish act!”
Kalin reached back and punched Tyris in he face, knocking him to the ground.
“How dare you…How dare you. Stay here with Valis.”
Crysts ran up next to Tyris. She looked at Kalin with sadness in her eyes.
“I am staying here…”
Kalin sneered,
“Fine! The rest of you, let’s go!”

Okay, I am going to have to double post this. Sorry admins, I told you this is long!

Alright, here is the second half:

• • •
Kalin and the rest of his group charged through the small wooden gate of an encampment of Vance. Immediately fifty knights charged out of the small barracks of the fort, swords drawn. Kilik walked up next to Kalin. He looked at him with his dark brown hair and blue eyes. He looked like Tyris except for his eyes were blue, not green. He wore red armor over his upper body that covered all of his upper body and arms but stopped half way down his chest. Red plating covered his legs. His hands were covered by leather gloves, which held a broad sword. His sword had a silver handle and a golden dyed blade. Kilik leaned down in a crouching stance, ready to attack.
“What is your plan Kalin? We may not be able to take all of them!”
Kalin looked deep into Kilik’s eyes as the troops made there way to them.
“Then we take as many as we can! Come on!”
Kilik and the others met up with the knights slashing and fighting. The battle waged for a long time as Kalin and the others slashed and charged forward, gaining ground. From behind, arrows flew from both sides. Behind Kalin’s group, Kaehl fires many arrows striking knights down one by one. On the other side standing at the top of the wooden fort were five archers. Kaehl reached for another arrow, pulled back, and shot. The arrow flew threw the air and struck an archer in the heart. He continued the process until only one archer was left. Kalin slashed on as Gornin, in his light blue armor fought beside him. Gornin wielded a knife and a long blade. He slashed a knight in the arm with the knife then thrust his sword in the man’s chest. Reinforcements came by the dozen. Raane was quick and agile in killing those who stood in his way.
Kilik struck down many with his giant blade. It sliced across the chest of a knight whom he was fighting. Magis too attacked without mercy. His blade pierced the armor of what seemed like hundreds. Finally, Kaehl giving the chance for Kalin to go kill the captain of the fort killed all the archers. He took the chance and ran for the fort door. Inside the door was a knight, only in his twenties, he was Kalin’s age. He stood in his blue armor, which covered his entire body but his head. His face showed much fear and anguish. He looked at Kalin with saddened eyes
“I am ready, let us fight…” He looked at the ceiling and again spoke, “Meagan, I love you…I pray you will raise our child to be a very strong warrior.”
He then looked at Kalin, tears of anger and utter sadness running down his face. He drew his sword and pointed it at Kalin. As Kalin had listened to the man’s words, it had brought him back to reality. He realized what he was doing was wrong and suddenly he heard the man run across the room and he felt the sword pierce his stomach. Kalin looked down at the blade and then at the man.
“Forgive me.”
With that the man puled out the sword and Kalin slouched to the ground. Suddenly Raane came into the room and looked at Kalin.
“No!! You!” He pointed at the frightened captain, “Die!”
Raane charged forward and slashed down across the man’s neck to his waist, killing him. Kalin stared at this unable to do anything,
“No!! Wait!” Tears fell from his eyes as the captain fell to the ground; the last thing Kalin said before falling unconscious was,
“Please…forgive me…”

• • •
First came small flashes of light, then bigger ones. Eventually after a circle of sleeping, waking up, then falling back to sleep again, Kalin regained consciousness. He blinked because of the torch lit on the wall. He realized finally that he was in his bed. He tried to sit up but stopped abruptly when he felt the excruciating pain in his stomach. He felt for his necklace, it was still there. As he looked around the room from his bed, three of the castle’s doctors, apparently their finest, entered the room. They each wore a white robe and held themselves up like nobles. They took one look at Kalin and gasped. He heard them whisper but picked up little phrases such as “How could he have lived?” After a few minutes, they examined Kalin one last time to make sure he was healthy and as they left told him that it had to be a miracle that he survived. When the door was shut, Kalin talked to himself.
“Dad, it happened again. I survived the impossible. Why is it that I am always a “miracle?” Why do I keep surviving when others get hurt or killed?”
Suddenly Crysts ran into the room and hugged Kalin tightly. He moaned a little and she backed away. He looked into her eyes and saw the care…and the love. She began to cry. Through her tears, she spoke lightly so only he could hear,
“I thought…you… were… dead. I could not bare it so I came down here. When I saw you just lying there, I could not hold myself together. I…I’m so happy your alive.”
Kalin smiled weakly,
“How long have I been recovering?”
Crysts looked down as the tears started again,
“About a week. You started coming to about two days ago.”
After a long silence they embraced and kissed each other. They stayed that way for a while when finally Crysts said what seemed like they had both been feeling for a long time.
“Kalin…I love you. I always have loved you. I could not stand the thought of you being gone forever. I love you.”
They embraced again and Kalin, amidst the tears spoke up,
“Crysts, I love you too. You are the one I feel God has placed in my life for me. There is a question I have always wanted to ask, but it never has felt right, until now. Crysts…will you marry me? I know I am not the best man in the world. I may not be as good as the next guy, but one thing I do have is true love. Please, marry me.”
Kalin went to his knees despite the pain, and from under his bed he pulled out a ring. The ring was fashioned out of the purest crystal with a small glowing cut piece of emerald in the center. He held it out to her and waited for her decision. She began to cry harder than she ever had before. Finally, amongst the tears she uttered one word,
“Yes…”

Well, thanks! I must say, it has been difficult. I think I will hold the third chapter for just a little longer, maybe later tonight.

haha, thanks Emily, I feel better now. I think I will post the Third Chapter! hahah! Now, prepare yourself!
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A Calling to the battlefield
After a week of recovery, Kalin was back on his feet. He overcame the wound with miraculous speed and strength. The King had given him a red cape to symbolize him being wounded in battle. He wore the cape with honor. Kalin, who felt he was behind in training headed out for the training grounds. While in the armory, choosing a sword he was confronted by Tyris. Tyris looked at Kalin and sighed,
“I am deeply sorry. I should not have spoken against your father. Please forgive me. Hey! I heard about you and Crysts! Ha ha, congratulations. What can I say?”
After a moments silence Kalin looked at Tyris and said,
“Thank you, and I do forgive you. I understand that I was not being myself. I was blinded by rage. I ask that you would forgive me for…punching you.”
Kalin smiled meekly as Tyris forgave him. Kalin nodded towards the open door that led to the training grounds,
“You want to spar with me? I’m sure it’s been a while.”
Tyris nodded and picked up a lance. Kalin selected a long sword from on the wall. Its sides were jagged and it was light. Kalin ran out onto the sparring field. It was a wide-open grassy field with dummies and other objects meant to improve skills with a variety of weapons. Kalin and Tyris stood about ten feet apart from each other and drew their weapons. Kalin stood leaning down with one foot a few feet back from the other. He carried the sword with his right hand. Tyris stood in the same position holding the lance with both hands. Suddenly Kalin cried out,
“Let’s go!”
Tyris, hearing the words immediately charged at Kalin. He kept his distance striking and thrusting forward with his spear. Kalin trying to get closer could not for he had to block the spear attacks. After a few minutes, Kalin finally missed one thrust of Tyris’s spear. Kalin turned the right half of his body just in time for the spear to go right past his face, missing his body. Kalin found the perfect opportunity and flipped forward, hitting Tyris in the face with both legs as he came down next to him. The blows knocked Tyris to the ground and Kalin put his sword to his neck. Kalin smiled at Tyris,
“I win. You were truly amazing!”
As Tyris stood up, he brushed of the grass and dirt from his armor.
“Yes, but you too are good. Did I actually hit you that one time?”
Kalin shook his head,
“No, but you did came close! It has been so long since we have talked as friends. I feel like I have the weight of the world on my shoulders because I am a lieutenant first class. I feel like I cannot be the same man I once was, or the same friend. Now I know that that is not true! Tyris, I have missed you as a friend.”
Tyris smiled with embarrassment,
“As have I Kalin.”
From over a small hill, Kalin heard someone cry out his name. He ran up the hill to see Crysts in her armor standing there, waving. She wore a silver armor that covered her all of her upper body except from the shoulders down. She wore white pants that were easy to move in. She had black hair with emerald green eyes. Her hair was slightly long, coming to her shoulders. She had no gloves on so that he could see her wearing the ring as she waved. They ran up and hugged each other.
“I had heard you were better. I didn’t expect to see you training on your first day out of recovery! Oh wait, I have to continue training. Tomorrow I go through the test to become a lieutenant. How about the three of us talk tonight, after hours, at the bar outside the castle? We can finally catch up on everything! Bye!”
Tyris turned around and began to walk back to the armory,
“Kalin, do you think that you avenged your brother’s death?”
Kalin turned around and looked at Tyris,
“Yes, I do…”

• • •
Tyris walked away from the training grounds confused. He wondered how Kalin thought that he had “revenged” his brother’s death by killing even more! He began to think aloud with a puzzled look on his face,
“Why would he still be blinded? I do not understand it. Purely it could not have been any of Vance’s men, maybe a hired assassin? No.” Suddenly Tyris’s mouth opened wide, he had found the answer but he hoped it was not right.
“It must have been…King Farron. It had to have been. I must go talk to Kalin.” As Tyris walked away, Corlaane walked out of the shadows. He had been following him ever since he saw him ask Kalin that question on the battlefield. He smiled at how right he was,
“The King will surely reward me for this…”
The King’s face darkened as Corlaane told him what he had heard. He breathed out deeply. Farron turned his face to look at the advisor.
“You know what must be done. But let someone else do it, let us not dirty our hands over some lancer of no importance. We must keep our eyes on the ultimate goal. Once I gain complete and utter trust from Kalin, I will have him destroy Vance with his “power” this is perfect. Now go!” Corlaane nodded and uttered a simple “Yes your majesty” as he left.
That night Tyris waited in his room for it to become “after hours.” He had remembered Crysts’s idea and decided it would be fun. When he heard footsteps in the hall, he assumed it Kalin and so he stood and opened the door. As he did out of the shadows an assassin in black clothing darted forward slicing Tyris’s cheek with a swift slice of his hidden blade. Tyris was knocked back onto the floor but in seconds was back up. He held the arms of the assassin who darted back and forth, held by Tyris’s grip. Finally, the killer kicked Tyris in the stomach, knocking him onto the floor. He looked to his side to see his lance next to him. As the assassin came for the killing strike, Tyris shoved the lance into the man. The strike had killed him, but as he fell, Tyris saw a tattoo on the man’s left hand. It had two swords crossing in a diagonal direction, and on sword coming up in the middle. It was the mark of Farron’s assassins. Tyris’s eyes opened wide with shock, he stood up and ran outside towards the main gate…
As Tyris arrived at the bar outside the castle, he huffed and wheezed as he looked for Kalin. He saw him in the back and walked up to him. He sat down in a chair next to Crysts as she looked at him with a puzzled look.
“What happened? Why are you so out of breath? Moreover, what happened to your face?” Tyris shook his head and put his hand up so he could have time to catch his breath.
“Th- the reason I’m out of breath is because I ran. The first and second questions go hand-in-hand. An assassin attacked me, but keep your voices down.” Kalin’s mouth opened wide.
“What?! Was it Vance’s men again? That-“ Tyris put his hand on Kalin’s shoulder.
“Kalin, calm down. What I am about to tell you may not be what you want to hear, but you need to hear it.” Tyris lowered his voice. “I was attacked by one of King Farron’s assassins. And I think I know why. Earlier today, I had been talking about your brother’s death. I was thinking about how you thought Vance’s men killed him. Well I do not. I ruled that out because of the fact that this is the capital of Lalilce, no assassin would make it in here. I thought of all possibilities and ruled all of them out but one. I believe it was King Farron who killed your brother. His assassins are the only ones who could make it into the castle. I said this aloud and that is when I think someone went and told Farron of what I thought. That is why another assassin of his attacked me tonight. When I killed him, on his hand I found the mark of Farron’s men.” After Tyris said this Kalin looked at him in disgust,
“How dare you! How can you sit here and tell me lies about the King who has given you a home and a chance to be more than a peasant! You think that the man my family has been loyal to for generations has killed my very brother!? I suppose now you will say he had my father killed? No, I will not believe it.” Crysts looked at Kalin and then Tyris. She nodded her head with an idea and spoke quietly.
“The body must still be in your room! If Kalin” She looked at Kalin. “If you will look at the body, and if the tattoo is there, will you believe him?” Kalin just nodded slowly…
• • •
Corlaane walked up beside King Farron. He leaned next to the king’s ear and spoke.
“Your assassin has failed. We must find another way.” Farron looked up at Corlaane, he was sitting in the royal study with the flames from the fireplace flickering in his eyes. The swirling flames of red, orange, and green made dancing images on his face.
“He shall surely return, and when he does-“ he looked at his advisor. “You know what to do.” As Corlaane walked away the King tossed another log on the fire, making the flames climb up in the air and roar with life. The flames exploded in heated colors as the King began to laugh at how perfectly his plan was going…

• • •
As Kalin arrived next to Tyris, he looked to see two knights standing in front of his door, guarding it. When they saw Tyris one yelled inside the room for someone to come out. In moments, the King’s advisor Corlaane stepped out of the room. He walked up to Tyris and held out his hand towards the door.
“Please won’t you come in, I have something to show you.” Crysts stepped in first only to see the room empty. She gasped at first then looked at Kalin and glared at Tyris who walked in wide-eyed.
“Wh- where is the body?!” Corlaane motioned Tyris to be quiet.
“What body?” Tyris told him the entire story and at the end, Corlaane laughed.
“That was quite a tale. But I am here for only one reason, because we found these.” Corlaane picked up a set of assassin’s clothes and a bloodied assassin’s knife. Corlaane spoke easily and smiled as he did,
“You are going to be executed for the assassination of Cortinis Dragonfire and for pledging loyalty to King Vance.” Tyris’s eyes flared as he yelled.
“Liar! I have done none of those things! These clothes do not belong to me! Kalin, listen, I am being framed for something I have not done!” Kalin just shook his head.
“How could you? I thought you were my friend my whole life but was that all a lie too. Just to kill my brother or me? How could you!” Kalin, for the second time punched Tyris in the mouth. As he took the blow Tyris grit his teeth as he returned the punch to Kalin.
“You are the one who is lying to yourself, King Farron is only using you. Get out while you still can.” Tyris sighed. Finally, he raised his spear as a guard stepped in and killed him by slashing across the man’s stomach. Afterwards Tyris looked back at Kalin one last time and ran off… Corlaane just stood and watched as Kalin rubbed his jaw. The remaining guard stepped in.
“Should I go after him?” Corlaane shook his head,
“You would only be killed, just let him go. I am sure we will see him with an army of Vance’s men! Now Kalin, I am truly sorry you had to hear all of this.” Kalin’s mind rushed, anger, rage, sadness, pain, guilt, and confusion all coursed together inside his chain of thoughts. He lost control, he could not believe what he had just seen and heard, it pierced deeper than the sharpest sword. Kalin still heard Corlaane talking.
“Be silent! You know nothing of Tyris! Leave my presence all of you!” Crysts looked deeply into Kalin’s emerald green eyes, her aqua blue eyes reflecting in the tears that began to form.
“Kalin- I. I love you, just remember that…” As she walked off Corlaane put his hand on Kalin’s shoulder which was immediately shrugged off.
“It is hard, finding a traitor to be your own friend.” Kalin glared at him
“What would you know! Tyris…Get out!” As Corlaane left, Kalin saw a smile creep its way across his face…

• • •
Kalin returned to his own room and paced around. Thoughts circled through his head and he could barely get even a glimpse of what they were. Finally he knelt down at his bedside and began to pray.
“God, I need you now. You are my Lord and Savior and I beg for your forgiveness as I come before you. I have lost one who was dearest to me. Why would Tyris do such a thing? God are you punishing me? No. You are not. God protect me, keep me safe…” After he prayed he slipped out of his golden armor, which was now scratched and dirty. He lay in his bed with his red undershirt and white pants. He eventually dozed off a about what seemed early in the morning…

• • •
As the King sat in his throne talking to Corlaane about the night the doors to his chambers bursted open. A man wearing black shoulder armor and leggings stepped in. His hair was dark black and his face was cold and empty. He wore black pants and shirt to go with his dark appearance. He had somewhat of an urgent expression, his face was lowered and one eyebrow up. He quickly handed a note to Farron and stood to the side. Lord Farron looked at the scroll, and then, up at the man.
“Thank you General Umbra. You may leave.” As the General left to stand outside the door Farron opened the scroll,
Lord Farron,
This is a letter concerning one of your sons, Ballonius. On his way from his castle of Darkstorm, he was attacked by a large group of Kingdom Knights led by Commander Leeton. I was accompanying your son on his journey back for your celebration but are forces were too few. I pray you will send reinforcements to protect your son and I from a most certain death. We have been hiding in the “Valley of the Lost Kingdom” please send help! Scouts have reported that they will be here in a matter of days!
Master General Hailstone.
King Farron read the last sentence again. Then the entire scroll. He crushed the scroll and threw it onto the floor.
“My son…That-“ Suddenly he had an idea. “Send for Kalin. I must protect my son with my very best.” Umbra again bursted through the doors and ran up to the King.
“Your very best? Send me! I am a general! What is he? I will take a thousand troops and crush the feeble army of Vance!” Anger showed in the king’s silver eyes,
“You dare defy me! I will send one I trust! One I know will succeed with only nine- no seven under his command. Now leave before I unleash my burning fury upon you!” At once, the General left and a scout came in. Farron told him to find Lieutenant Kalin Dragonfire and to have him report to the King himself…
In seconds Kalin walked into the doors of the chamber of the King and dropped to one knee.
“You summoned me my lord?” Farron smiled,
“Yes, I need you to help me in the most urgent way. Pick up that scroll and read it.” Kalin did as he was told and gasped when he was finished.
“I- I do not believe it! Your own son! I shall go at once!”
“Yes do go! Save my son, please!”

• • •
Kalin rushed into the different rooms of his men and assembled them all outside the castle. He told them of the situation as they walked around the mighty stone walls. They reached the opposite side of the large structure where a large wooden barn that smelt of horse and dirty hay stood. They walked up to the barn and picked out the best of stallions for the ride. The sun beat down on them as they kicked the sides of the horses and were off. They galloped past the town of which they saved many days ago it seemed. The rode past the luscious fields filled with grain and corn being tended by peasants and slaves. The mighty Oak Forest was on their right and the apple grove their left as they rose through the dusty rode. The dirt was kicked up behind them as the shot through the two forests and made their way to the mountainous country on the other side by nightfall. They rode until they were at the base of Mt. Fallen, representing the great grandfather of Farron who had died in a battle at the base of the mountain. At dark the group slept fitfully and rode again at sunrise’s first appearance.
Crysts rode next to Kalin who rode in the front. Behind the two, in a line of three were Valis, , and Magis. Behind them in another line of three rode Kaehl, Gornin, and Raane. The group of eight rode until about midday when they finally reached the “Valley of the Lost Kingdom.” What they saw was heart wrenching. A large green valley surrounded by two mountains the allowed only a small stream to flow through, stained with blood from fallen knights. Bodies lay scattered all around and on the horizon Kalin saw another wave of Kingdom Knights charging down the mountainside. Kalin looked all around to find any hint of life still left, but found none. They slowly galloped down the steep incline of the mountain and finally made their way to the valley floor. The mountain shadows painted most of the valley in shadow, a perfect hiding spot, Kalin thought. Then he saw it, a quick movement and then nothing. He dismounted, as did the others and walked over to where he saw the movement. In the shadows were two men, a large man standing tall with armor covering his entire body save his head. His armor would have been blue if it were not for the blood stains the soaked it. His side had been pierced where a gap between the body and leg armor was. The wound bled profusely but the man still stood guarding the huddled figure behind him. The huddled silhouette looked up, his face covered in others blood. His clothes were also soaked with blood but it seemed that it was his own. His shoulder armor held fast to a red cape with Farron’s symbol crafted into the cloth. Kalin shook his head,
“Are you Prince Ballonius?” The silhouette stood and nodded but then fell back against the stone face nurturing a large gash in his stomach. The knight walked forward,
“Are you the reinforcements? Where is your army?” Kalin motioned him to be quiet,
“You are Maser General Hailstone, correct? Well right now I want you and the Prince to get over those mountains, we must take care of the last wave of knights.” The General nodded and led Ballonius up the mountainside. Kalin returned to his horse and hopped on. He steadied his on-coming enemy. There seemed to be about forty-five knights, and eleven horseback including Commander Leeton. He motioned Kaehl to stay back and fire arrows. He looked at the rest of them.
“Alright, if we do this smart we will win. Raane and I will circle around the main group and try to take out the horseback riders. Kaehl, that is when you come in. Help us out then go for taking out the troops. The rest of you come from the sides. Ride up on the mountains and then come down onto them! Let us go!”
Kalin and Raane charged forward as the others climbed the mountainside. The two knights split as they reached the main group of soldiers and came back together on the horseback. Kalin knocked a one rider from his horse then stabbed him as he fell to the ground. Raane controlled his horse as he slashed across a knight’s stomach. As Kalin went for the next rider an arrow split through the clouds, and the man’s skull. Kalin thrust his sword through yet another rider’s stomach and pulled it out as the man fell dead to the ground. Raane and Kalin slashed down all the riders except for the commander who had ridden off like a coward. Raane turned around to see the others come down upon the troops like a wave, slashing and cutting through them like grass. Knights fell as they tried to escape and Kalin and Raane killed those who made it through. In minutes the battle was over, and Kalin had won…
The group reunited at the far side of the valley cheering and hollering for their victory.
“You did it Kalin!” They all cheered but Kalin silenced them.
“It was not I who did it. It was God who has won this battle, never forget that!” The eight of them rode over the mountain and met the General and the prince at the other side. After eating and sleeping, the ten of them made their way back to the castle…

Emily, you probably hit the submit reply button twice. Dont. BTW, thanks guys! I feel really good after that.