It was a full three days travel from Fort Bulwark to Fort Prosper but the journey was relatively uneventful. Our small war band of three knights and twenty footmen moved mostly through the forest to avoid Black Cloak patrols. Their presence had been growing day by day with more and more patrols moving across the land.

It must have been in response to the resistance they had dealt with in trying to take out the knights.

We finally came to the outskirts of Faunburg and I agreed to scout ahead.

I approached the town and immediately noticed how many Black Cloaks there now were. Guards at the town gates and small patrols walking around the walls. I was certain the streets were filled with even more.

I skirted the town and that’s when I saw it. An army several times larger than the one that attacked Fort Bulwark was setting up siege engines in a field on the other side of the town. I ran back as quietly as I could and reported what I saw.

Lord Vonspire said, “Come, my friends. I know a secret way into Fort Prosper.”

Lord Riggins smirked, “Heh. You know secrets passages into all our forts, Vonspire. I guess with you being as old as you are, you tend to know things.”

Vonspire replied with warning in his voice, “Careful, Lord Riggins. There are some things better left unspoken in open company.”

Lord Riggins rolled his eyes and started singing some song about secret tunnels under his breath.

Lord Brick waved them to silence, “Brother,” he gestured to Lord Vonspire, “Show us, please. We must get to Lord Gregor.”

He nodded and we traveled through the woods until we came to a small cave.

Lord Vonspire drew his flamberge and cast Light on it, “This way.” He said as he entered the cave.

It wasn't very often I got to see Lord Vonspire use magic. His sword shown a soft white light like a full moon.

We all followed and after a short trek through cave passageways we came to a door in the wall. Lord Vonspire fiddled with the lock for a moment before it clicked and he pushed the door open. We stepped into a small storage room, which was attached to the main cellar of the keep. The door from the storage room to the main cellar was unlocked so we entered with little effort.

The cellar had a tall ceiling at least an extra story high or so with hanging braziers that lit the whole chamber. This is where the barrels of wine were stored as well as valuables in various chests. It was a large tall rectangular room with smaller storage rooms along the edges. At one end were the steps that lead up to the keep.

I gasped as I saw what was at the other end. The large statue of our Lady stood unmolested and surrounded by the smaller versions we had once decorated our fort with. Candles stood in various states of use around the shrine, some still lit.

I hadn’t laid eyes on our Lady in so long, I had forgotten how beautiful she was.

“I…” lord Riggins struggled to speak, “I had forgotten about her…. How? How could I have ever forgotten about her?”

He rushed to the statue and fell to his knees to pray. Lords Vonspire and Brick solemnly joined him. I soon joined in and before long our entire party was kneeling and praying to the Lady. Some were crying and begging for forgiveness, while others were simply thanking her for existing. It was a beautiful thing to be a part of.

A low boom and slight shaking of the stones broke us from our revere. The attack had begun.

We stood, almost as one, feeling like renewed warriors and rushed to the steps to defend the keep.

We exited into a chamber just behind the main hall. Shouting and shuffling echoed all around as we made our way through the keep. A few loyal villagers had joined my lord Gregor in the defense, but not nearly enough to hold it from that army.

My lord Gregor barged in from one of the side doors, shouting orders and stopped dead in his tracks when he saw us.

At first, I feared his reaction. I thought he would still be angry with me but instead he grew the biggest grin I have ever seen on his face.

He rushed over and embraced me, which kind of hurt in his full plate mail, “Young Fredrick! Bless the Lady for bringing you back! I am truly sorry for how I acted.” He held me by the shoulders, “It was the wine, my boy. The wine! It must have been enchanted or poisoned. When I drank it, I forgot things. Important things like my people, my duties, my Lady, and your loyalty. I am sorry I was so angry with you.”

I was shocked at such an emotional display, “What happened? What changed?”

He released me and smiled, “Evanlyn happened. That beautiful woman came and spoke harshly to me in a way no one else will. Of course, I disregarded her words about my drinking problem until yesterday when I ran out of the imported wine. I was forced to drink some of Tombo’s we had been saving. My head began to clear that night and this morning I felt far better. She said she was going to return with help. I hope it’s an army. I’ve been working all day to secure this fort. Unfortunately, only twelve of our hired help remained loyal enough to stay with me so our defenses are somewhat lacking.”

Lord Brick replied, “We bring twenty strong warriors and three knights, my lord. I think we have at least a fighting chance.” He winked with more confidence than I felt.

“Indeed, Lord Brick! Welcome, my brothers and welcome to you brave warriors! Please, everyone to the courtyard.”

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

We followed him as he beckoned his twelve and we gathered in the courtyard. Another boom sent shivers across the stone walls as the Black Cloaks continued their siege.

My lord Gregor projected his voice with ease across the small yard as the sun began to set, “Friends! I cannot guarantee a tomorrow for any of you. But I can guarantee all the Black Cloaks you can kill!” a cheer came from the crowd, “I do not expect any of you to stay and fight for me. If anyone here wishes to leave, there will be no shame in it. No one will blame you for wanting to live. But if you do, I ask that you carry our story and our Lady with you!” another cheer came from the crowd but no one left.

The crowd was full of determined and confident faces. Not a single warrior would abandon my lord Gregor.

He raised his hands for silence as another boom shook the walls, “One last thing. Seeing as this may be our last night,” he turned to me, “Fredrick Alfenshpiel, kneel.”

I was shocked but I obeyed.

He drew his sword and tapped me on one shoulder then the next, “In view of my fellow knights and this crowd of loyal people, I knight you, Sir Fredrick Alfenshpiel! Rise, Sir Fredrick!”

The crowd erupted with cheers as I stood. It wasn’t how I imagined my knighting would be but somehow it felt better than it ever could’ve been. It was the proudest moment of my life.

The crowd dispersed as everyone ran to the walls. He had someone bring me a new sword and even a new suit of armor.

“I had hoped to do this under better circumstances.” He told me as he helped me put on the armor, “But the way things are looking, I wasn’t sure I would get a chance.”

He finished and turned me around, “It suits you well, Lord Fredrick.” He glanced at the archers on the walls loosing and dodging arrows, “Let us hope it serves you for years to come.”

I had never worn a full suit of plate armor before. I was going to have to get used to the weight.

The other knights came and welcomed me as a brother with clasped arms and embraces.

A man yelled that the Black Cloaks had brought ladders so we rushed to the walls just in time to see the first few climb up. It didn’t take long before the walls were covered with desperate combat. Black Cloaks continued to pour onto the walls but our warriors were doing a good job at holding them back. It seemed like for every one of our men downed, three of them were killed.

I reached the walls and joined the fight. My new broadsword felt good in my hands and I out matched each Black Cloak I fought with my superior swordplay. It was evident to me that these were trained warriors, but they had not been as rigorously trained as a knight.

I cut down three before I turned to see Lord Brick swing in a wide arch, cutting two in half at the waist, “I’ve got this, Lord Fredrick. Go help Lord Vonspire!” I felt my pride grow every time I was called that.

The fort had a classic square shaped wall that surrounded it with the keep itself attached to the back half. We were on the front wall above the main gate and Lord Vonspire was on the wall to the right of the keep. He looked and saw that Lord Vonspire was fighting alone while his aid, Reginald, sat leaning beside the door to the tower.

I nodded to Lord Brick and ran to the other wall. As I ran across the section over the main gate I felt another boom that rocked the entire wall. That catapult final hit the gate. It still held, but it wouldn’t take many more hits before breaking down.

I reached the tower on the corner and barged through the door. Two of our archers lay slain on the floor next to a dead Black Cloak. Two other Black Cloaks were rummaging through some crates when they saw me and turned their swords against me.

I didn’t waste any time as I charged the first one. In the confines of the tower room, swinging would be difficult so I ducked under the first one's guard and thrust my blade up into his ribcage and out his upper back. I spun his spasming body to take a blow from the second Black Cloak before pulling my blade out and slashing at him.

To his credit, he recovered quickly and blocked my attack. I faked a slow overhead strike and he tried a hard thrust at my midsection. I spun my blade down and deflected his attack. All of the power in his thrust went into a support beam and stuck his sword deep. He let go almost immediately but it still wasn’t fast enough. With my sword hand still up, I grabbed his shoulder and thrust my blade down into his chest.

I will never forget the look in his eyes as he died. He was angry but I don’t think he knew why.

I pulled my blade free and burst through the next door to the right most wall. I charged the small group of Black Cloaks, flanking them and catching them off guard. I cut down two before reaching Lord Vonspire’s side.

He was exhausted and I could tell each swing was getting more and more difficult. I had no idea how long he had been fighting alone.

He took in a deep breath, held out his hand, and cast a fireball that exploded on the wall next to the ladder. Three Black Cloaks caught fire. One burned to death and the other two fell from the wall trying to put themselves out. The fire took hold of the ladder and it quickly began to crackle and burn.

“Thank you, Lord Fredrick. Please,” he spoke between pants, “Give me a moment.”

He turned and went to Reginald’s side. The boy looked bad. His left arm was bent at an odd angle and it was clear his leg was broken, too.

He coughed and blood trickled down his chin, “My lord.” His voice was weak and his breathing labored, “I’m not going to make it. Please…”

Lord Vonspire dropped his sword and sat to cradle Reginald, “Be still, my friend.” He looked at his broken body, “This is a fate you do not deserve.”

Tears began to well in his eyes. Reginald reached up with his good arm and firmly grabbed Lord Vonspire by the chest plate.

He leaned forward, “Take me, my lord. I’m not going to survive this. Please, take it all and avenge me. Avenge Hearthrock.” He took a few labored breaths, “It would be an honor to give what I have left to you.”

Lord Vonspire gripped his hand, tight and nodded, “Thank you, my friend. I will always remember you.”

Reginald looked to me and saw the look of horror I must have had painted on my face.

He struggled to speak up, “Don't worry, my lord Fredrick. This is what I want.”

Lord Vonspire removed his helmet and slowly leaned in to place his now prominent fangs on his aid’s neck. Reginald closed his eyes in what looked like content acceptance as Lord Vonspire drained him of every drop he could.

Reginald went pale as a ghost and died. Lord Vonspire leaned back, licked the blood from his lips and began to breathe heavily. He turned to me and I looked into his now very red eyes. They were filled with so much sorrow, pain, and rage.

He spoke in a voice filled with barely controlled emotions, “I am sorry, brother. I had hoped to have time to explain this to you.”

He stood looking larger and stronger than before. He reached down and gently pulled Reginald’s sword from his lifeless hand. He held his flamberge in one hand and Reginald’s broadsword in the other.

In those moments we didn’t noticed the Black Cloaks gathering on the wall from two more ladders. I looked across the fort to take in our situation as a whole.

Lord Brick was still holding his ground with a few of his warriors. Lord Riggins was fighting alone but was surrounded by bodies. He was bleeding from a dozen cuts and a few arrows. He didn’t look like he would last much longer. Down in the courtyard the gate had been breached and Black Cloaks were pouring in. My Lord Gregor was holding the line with a small group of swordsmen but they would soon be overrun.

Lord Vonspire quickly scanned the fort then turned his hate filled eyes on the Black Cloaks in front of us. “If we never see each other again, brother, just know that I am and always have been a loyal servant to the Lady. Now go. Our lord Gregor will need your help. I will handle these pusillanimous imbeciles.”

He regarded me with a soft expression then turned and roared “FOR THE LADY!”

It startled me and the Black Cloaks, then he charged them, swinging the flamberge like it weighed nothing.