Tig and Sierra (working title)

Tig and Sierra (working title)

A gentle breeze blew up the high bank of Castle Benabic; it was a beautiful start to the early spring day. King Aragon was up early, for this was the day, he had hoped for and yet dreaded at the same time. It was time for him to choose the person protector of his daughter Sierra. She was finally turning 13 and this would be no ordinary guard. This knight may perhaps become the one who would marry his daughter. She was as sweet as honey. Her hair was the same color of wheat as the sun climbed over the hills with fresh dew on it. Her eyes were the color of the rare blue diamonds that had been brought back some of his knights long ago from the East. Her complexion was light yet it held a slight tan that made all the knights turn their head and behold her beauty. She took after her mother, who had passed away during childbirth. Since then her father had always taken care of her and would never allow anyone to harm her. King Aragon made his way to his courtyard and began to look over his knights. He had seen a Knight standing outside his castle since the start of winter. It was well known, that the King would be looking for the special knight. This knight had come and stood outside since the first snowfall over the past winter and remained outside the castle ever sense. He never left and never spoke. He sent an archer to the wall to see if the knight was still there. The archer returned and told the king that he remained in his place as he had been. The King had the archer follow him and made his way to the monastery.

He climbed the hill to the monastery and made his way inside. Abbot Abracham greeted him immediately. "Sire, what can we do for you? It is a great pleasure to have you to come to seek council with us." He spoke

"I wish to see the Brother who has been taking care of the knight on the outskirts of our castle. I wish to speak to him and find out what the brother has learned about the knight.," the King commanded in a pleasant way.

"You wish to speak with Brother David, he is in the stables and I shall go fetch him right now sire." the Abbot replied.

"It is alright, I have been meaning to see my animals, and I shall speak with him there. I thank you Abbot for your time." The King did the holy trinity and left the monastery.

Upon arriving to the stable, Aragon found Brother David and stepped to him. The Brother quickly bowed to the King. "Rise, Rise. I wish to speak with you about the Knight you have been taking care of. I wish to inquire as to any information you have on him." The queen questioned.

The brother rose, wiped him off, and began to speak, "His name sire is Connor, and he comes from or claims to come from the lost kingdom of Máel-dúin. Though I cannot see how Sire, I thought the Máel-dúin Clan was destroyed over fifty years ago by the Saxons. Then he showed me the ring, cross that he wears, and told me that they belonged to his father and his father's father and so on. It is the ring 'Gra Dilseacht Cairdeas", if my Irish is correct that is the oath of love, loyalty and friendship. He even bears the mark of the dragon on his chest and back. That is all I have learned, He pays for the feed and protection of his horse here, and the food and water I have brought him. Otherwise, he has never asked nor spoke of anything else. I do know he looks no older then his fifteenth or sixteenth year of his life. I am sorry I can not help you farther Sire, Forgive me."

"You have told me enough Brother David. I would ask you to take the horse to the knight and ask him to come to my castle, tell him he will be safe and that I wish to speak with him. He may leave his weapons with this archer upon his arrival and you may escort him to me. You shall be his squire for now, and provide him safe passage. Neither of you are to speak of where this Knight Connor comes from. I shall be in my great hall awaiting you." As quickly as he came, the King was gone.

Little did anyone ever notice that Princess Sierra had noticed the knight on his arrival, and had watched him ever since. She often would steal a few moments during the day to sit and watch him. Then at night she would sit in her room, looking out the window and dream about him and where he came from. She found that more and more her thoughts drifted to towards him. She often wished she could go speak to him, see why he was here or get her father to invite him out of the winter. She saw no tent, only that he had two heavy furs that he wrapped himself. He armor was beside him and she could he took great care of it. She had seen him polish it, cover it to protect it from the weather, yet he never moved from that area. She would go to sleep and awake and the knight would still be there. She had to know who he was, and what he wanted. She heard a great commotion and she rushed to the noise to see what was going on...

She had to know who he was, and what he wanted. She heard a great commotion and she rushed to the noise to see what was going on...

Sierra rushed down the spiral stairs that lead from her chamber to the great hall. She flew around the corner and went into the banquet hall. There she found her father walking and talking animatedly with his servants. "yes, yes I want some tables set up, and get some wood on that fire. In addition, I want a feast, we have a knight that has is finally going to join us. The lord only knows how he has lasted all winter on just porridge. Please make sure there is a feast for him. Also, send for my daughter. Oh there you are. Sierra we shall have a guest please go and get prepared. Also, inform your cousins to prepare themselves. The can go back to training later." He spun and continued to walk around the hall.

"Father, do you know the Knight? Why he is here, is he here to hurt you or join you? Please tell me," She begged of him.

"I know nothing yet, my precious, now go get ready and hurry. He should be here in a few moments. Brother David has gone to bring him to us. So please go." He ordered her.

Meanwhile outside, Brother David had left the castle gates and made his way to Connor who was still standing outside in his place. He walked around him and checked him over. Then he began to speak softly to him, "Connor, King Aragon would like to have you come to his hall and speak with him. You are to leave your weapons with this archer. You will have save passage, and I shall be your "squire" while you are here. Please do come with me. It is by God's good graces that you have survived the winter."

"Brother, I can not relinquish this suit of neither armor nor this sword and shield. I have been given my vow to make sure they get to his majesty. Please do not make me break this vow. I will relinquish everything else I carry for a weapon." Connor's emerald green eyes, shown with a pleading as his gentle voice was heard.

"I shall carry them for you then. Once we reach his majesty, I shall return them to you and you present them to him. Then you would not be breaking your vow. Would that work for you?" He questioned.

Connor simply nodded and handed over everything else he was caring. The items consisted of silver colored armor with a green Draco on the front with a wolf and gargoyle standing facing each other with swords in the paws on his back plate. His leg armor was also silver with red demons painted on them down to where they meet his feet. His shield was pure black with only two piercing red eyes. His sword scabbard was also pure black with claws painted on it with blood dripping down from them. The archer checked the sword, and it was made of pure obsidian, the archer's eyes grew in size. He had heard of their swords, but to see one was an honour. He had of the Máel-dúin' swords, nothing could shatter them and they were harder then the hardest steel had ever seen. The group made their way to castle, as they entered the grounds people had started to gather to see this strange new comer. Everyone was aghast at the site of him. He stood only five foot eight inches, but he had dark brown hair like that of a Stag which ran down to his shoulder, and he had a red stripe that went down the center of his head. He was built similar to a bear. He was tall and of medium weights but yet his arms and chest was the size of two men. He seemed wiry like that of a Polecat. His eyes we are green as emeralds, but when the sun hit them just right they appeared to glow red. The people could tell the knight was very young, which to them seemed strange. Most knights they had seen would have been no younger then in their late twenties. This one appeared to be no older then sixteen. Yes, they could tell by the way he carried himself, that he had seen many battles, he had a jagged scar that ran down his temple. It barely missed his eye, followed his nose, curved around his mouth and went down to his neck stopping just below the top of his shirt. The young children that saw his ran in fear of him, the young ladies watched him and their hearts leaped. The other knights scowled at him and gave him very little room in which to make his way. The three finally reached the doors and the Brother and Knight entered by them. Brother David led him to the banquet hall to where the King, his daughter and other family were sitting awaiting him. Upon seeing the King, Connor went to his knees and looked down to the floor until he would be addressed.

The king walked over to him and placed a hand upon his shoulder. He spoke softly to the knight, "Raise my son, you are among friends here. Please tell us why you have come and what is it you need?" It was then that the Aragon noticed that his ears were slightly pointed, almost like that of a dog or even the elves everyone has told stories about for eons.

Connor looked up to him and began to speak in Norwegian, forgetting where he was. The king could see hesitation as the young knight began to speak." De Majesty, jeg kommer i fred. Jeg sendt av min far og konge før de drepte. De sendt disse presangene til De, og også meg tjene De, Deres familie, og kongerike da De ser anfall. Mitt navn er Connor Draco. Jeg er trettende springeren av M ael-d uindyrspringerne. Jeg var den personlige beskytteren for Prinsesse Elizabeth før vår kingdome ødela. Jeg gjør noe som helst og alt som De spør av som meg eller dør caring ut Deres ønske. -

Before he knew it, the King was speaking to him that he did not understand. Connor suddenly realized what he had done and began to speak in English, with a distinguishable Irish accent You Majesty, I have come in peace. My father and king have sent me before they were killed. They have sent these gifts to you, and me to serve you, your family, and kingdom as you see fit. My name is Connor Draco. I am the thirteenth knight of the Máel-dúin animal knights. I was the personal guard for Princess Elizabeth before our kingdome was destroyed. I shall do anything and everything you ask of me or die caring out your wish." He remained on his knees and looked up at the king.

He remained on his knees and looked up at the king.

Aragon could see that Connor trembled slightly and had a little bit of perspiration on his face. He did not know if he was nervous or perhaps feeling ill from his long vigil through the winter. He tenderly ran his hand across Connor’s head like a loving father would. He then touched his shoulder and helped him up. As Connor started to stand, he staggered slightly but got his balance quickly. Aragon helped him to the table and had him sit; he himself then sat by him and nodded for food to be brought out. He waved for everyone to join them and eat themselves. Connor sat there and looked at the food, but did not eat.

“Eat son, the food is good and no harm will come to you. You can also tell us your story, about how you came here and what happened to the Máel-dúin Kingdom. I knew King Eochaidh well; we were squires together and served the same King before he became Kings ourselves. I also thought that the Kingdom was destroyed fifty years ago. How is it, you survived and are there others?” He inquired as he moved some hot stew towards Connor.

Connor took the bowl and greedily began to swallow it without a spoon. He was eating like a starved animal. He lowered the bowl and looked around; he was embarrassing himself. He looked around and locked eyes with a young lady with deep blue eyes. He felt himself flush more and he turned his head. He slowly began to speak clear and loud enough for everyone to hear him.

“Sire please call me Tig, everyone did. The Máel-dúin Kingdom was attacked fifty years ago and was destroyed, by whom I do not know. King Eochaidh along with Queen Levee and some of the knights. My father was one of them, as well as the other eleven animal knights. Queen Levee gave birth to Princess Elizabeth and my parents to me. I was taught the way of the knights and became her protector. Two years ago, the Princess and I were the last two alive. The others had passed away due to age, illness and attack. We traveled from place to place looking for sanctuary. They never found any, then the King knew of a place he would be welcomed. We started to head here. Then two years ago, we were attacked in the village of Smead. The attackers wore all black, and came in the night. We were outnumbered and my King ordered me and Princess Elizabeth to flee. We did as we were told, we managed to get away and elude our pursuers for fie months. Then they caught us, in an open field about two-month ride from here. We were attacked and I did all I could but the Princess was killed. The last thing I recall was a sword coming at my face and being stabbed in the back. When I came to, she was dead. They had violated her savagely and slit her throat. Sire I had failed her, my King, and my father.” He lowered his eyes to hide the tears that were forming.

Aragon placed his hand across the back of Tig. He felt something wet and pulled his hand away slowly to look. His palm was covered with blood. He had a shocked look on his face and was about to move and help Tig, just as he collapsed on the table causing his stew to fly out of his bowl and land on the table. Without thinking, he and Brother David lifted him and carried Tig to a room. Aragon began to scream for his surgeon and other to help. He placed him on the bed and began to get the clothes off him. He was startled at what he saw. Tig’s body was covered with scars, bruises, and open wounds that bled and were infected. Brother David helped roll him over and they both could see a viscous dagger wound near the center of his right back. The blade was still visible and appeared to be covered with something. Princess Sierra had followed them into the room and was shocked at what she saw. She sat by Tig and took his hand. She did not know him but she felt great sorrow for the knight. Her father looked at her, smile and nodded. He knew she would be a great queen if she could handle seeing things like that.

She did not know him but she felt great sorrow for the knight. Her father looked at her, smiled, and nodded. He knew she would be a great queen if she could handle seeing things like that.

The word went out and the surgeon was on his way. Aragon, along with Sierra and Brother David began to wash Tig. They started with his back since he still had part of the dagger in him. As they washed him down, they noticed he had a tattoo of a giant dragon’s head on his back. The dragon was red and had fire breathing from its mouth. The marking covered his entire his back, as they worked down they also began to notice that he had red eyes on his calves and what appeared to be claws ripping out his flesh there. Sierra pulled back momentary with a shriek and looked at her father.

“Why do they do that to themselves father? That had to hurt, what the purpose could be in them doing that?” she inquired.

Aragon continued to clean him and sighed. “Sierra, The Animal Knights are very special knights that believed they animal they wore would protect them from anything and keep them alive in battle. I will admit, this young Tig here is the first I ever saw with a dragon and demons on his body. I also believe that will be another creature on his front. They usually had them on their chest only. I have only ever heard of one other Animal Knight that had them on front and back. His name was Gerlock and he lived well over five generations ago. It is believed he is the one who was the first of the Animal Knights. He became power strong and killed many people. It is said that he was mad, and the other knights had to slay him. I would not worry about this young knight though. He appears to be a good and gentle soul.” He quickly turned to Brother David and began speaking to him, “I want you to send for Eloise and others. I want them to go back to Smead and find out who attacked them, and bring the bodies of the others back if they can find them. I want them all to receive the proper burial they all deserve. Also, have hem search for where the princess could be bury. If they come under attack, I want them to do what they can to finish them and bring a prisoner or two. He may have all he needs to accomplish this, and he is not and I repeat NOT to tell anyone that of the animal knights survived. Have another Brother accompany them to take care of the bodies.”

With that, Brother David bowed and left the room. As he left the room, the surgeon came in. He quickly and without words began to get his instruments ready and got his apprentices to help him. He looked at the dagger wound and shook his head.

“Sire, I shall do all I can, but I do not know if he will live. This dagger wound was very poorly taken care of. It is extremely infected, and he will likely die if I remove it. However, if I do not remove it, he may not live either. As for the other wounds, they are not so bad. Should I remove it Sire or leave it there?”

“Yes remove it. He lived with it for so long inside him, I think we will find that he is strong enough to make it through and live with it out of him.”

The surgeon nodded and began to remove it. He had his apprentices start to put leaches and maggots on the open and infected wounds. Slowly and carefully, the surgeon sliced open Tig’s back. As he did, Tig let out a cross between a groan and a growl. He moved slightly at the pain, and immediately the apprentices grabbed and held him still. It took for seven of them to hold him still. The surgeon after forty-five minuets had the piece out. It had embedded six inches into his back. If it had been just a quarter inch to the left, Tig would be paralyzed. He washed off the piece and looked at it.

“Sire, this is made of no metal I have ever seen in my life. It has a strange glow to it. It almost does not appear to be a metal at all.” He passed it to Aragon as he spoke.

Aragon took it and looked at it. He said nothing, but he knew the metal well that was used to forge it. “Everyone lets allow him to rest, and be alone. Surgeon I want you to check on him every so often and do all you can for him. I shall get some of the maids-in-waiting, to care for him. Also I -

He was interrupted before he could finish, “Father allows me to look after him. I know it is out of the ordinary for me to do so, but it is something I feel I should do. Please let me.” Sierra begged and held on to Tig’s hand the entire fine.

- I will let you, but you must also get some sleep. Therefore, someone will take your place so you can rest. Lector, you as my trusted man-at-arms, I want you and two other to guard this room. I also want word spread around the castle to lock the gate, pull up the drawbridge. I have a feeling there will be some hard times coming for us. Have all the people start to bring their families in and all the food and animals. As they work the fields, and rivers. I want them all protected. Richard, I want you to send messengers out to my other knights and landowners, which they are to gather themselves, people, livestock and crops and begin to head here. We may have a few months before it will turn bad here.” With that, he left the room to begin his preparations.

With that, he left the room to begin his preparations.

Sierra moved closer to Tig and started to help the surgeon Read, clean him and apply medicine. As she washed his chest, another tattoo came into view. This one was that of a winged wolf, sitting over a field of silver. The eyes matched Tig is and did the red streak going down the middle of the head. She let her small right hand follow the form of the wolf as it wound around his chest. Her finger followed it as the mouth opened around his right nipple and came back around it. Toby, one of the apprentices watched her and spoke to her.

“My Princess, I have seen markings like this before. The wolf over the field stands for the goodness of his heart and the peace that runs through his body. The dragon and demons on his back and legs stand for the evil that flows through him during battle. If I am correct about half way down his left and right sides should be a star and heart. Those would represent the love and knowledge that he seeks to find. My grandmother told me of the Animal Knights. They are supposed to be the purest souls alive and only will defend those that are pure of love and knowledge. She told me the tale of Sir Mandrake and his battle for love-

He sudden fell silent as a another apprentice opened a pouch and out fell a silver cross with a dragon curled around it and the head of a wolf at the base. Then a ring with a green emerald fell upon the bed.

- My Princess, this knight is the son of Mandrake Draco. His father is one that my grandmother told me saved your father and King Eochaidh from the scourge of the Ravens. It is said that he lost his family and searched for a long time to find another. If you wish, once we are done I could go for my grandmother and she could tell you the whole story. “He finished.

Sierra nodded and took the items. She turned them repeatedly in her hand. She tried on the ring and felt a little spark touch her finger. It gave her a start, but she kept it in place. She could not think of a better for it to be safe then on her own finger. As for the cross, she slipped it over her neck and let it fall under the top of her dress for safekeeping. She began to say silent prayers for him. She really wanted to get to know this knight and his story now.

She began to say silent prayers for him. She really wanted to get to know this knight and his story now.

Brother David found Sir Eloise, he conveyed to him, what Aragon had said. Eloise then began to gather his most loyal knights. His word was meant with an eager uproar. This is what the knights had been waiting for, something of a quest that all knights lived for. In all he had gathered twenty-five knights and fifty archers and foot soldiers. Out of respect for the fallen aristocracy, they placed black armbands, and wrapped black material around their horses’ necks. Eloise also gathered some archers and foot soldiers to accompany them. Brother David in the mean time had made his way to the monastery. He spoke with Abbot Abracham quickly. The Abbot lowered his head and said a brief prayer for the fallen and for those about to go on this quest. He chose Brothers Thad, Renae, River, and Fish. They gathered ten wagons, blankets, holy relics, and other items they could use for trade, and sell. They had been told the story and knew other items would be needed. They got people from the town to accompany them on the trip. The eleventh cart was a special one. It would carry any orphan children that encountered. It was not unusual for them to find some. It was after all a time of great up evil. Clans and Kingdoms would invade each other and wipe out entire families. Sometimes with shear luck a child or two, or even an adult would survive. King Aragon had a special law, which allowed anyone who wished to come and live in one of his Kingdom and outer posts. The sun was begun to set as the caravan made its way out the Kingdom. Once they were gone and clear, they raised the bridge and closed the gates. That was something that had not been done in several years. It pained the King to actually have to do it. He knew it was something that could not be put off.

The surgeon and his apprentices had finished and left the room, He told Sierra that he or someone would return every four hours to check on Tig. As they left, they closed the door and she could hear lector speaking to his men. She was now alone in the room with him and walked to the window to look out. She loved to watch the sun set. The colors danced in the sky, she had never seen it so beautiful and she sighed. She saw the drawbridge close, and her gaze fell upon the castle grounds. She knew today was the day that her father would have chosen her private guard. She wished he would not do it, but she knew there was no changing his mind. Her older sister had had one until she got married to Sir Jacques or Jackass. She despised him; he treated Gwen like a trophy. She vowed she would never be treated like that. She also could take care of herself pretty well or so she thought. She did not need a guard and she would find a way to tell her father. She felt selfish in a way that it had been put off to Tig’s arrival and collapse but she grateful. She looked over shoulder at the young knight and let out smile. He seemed to sleeping peacefully or as peacefully as one could in his condition. Her smile suddenly turned to a blush when she realized that he was still laying there on the bed naked. She rushed over and quickly covered Tig up. He looked like a cross between an angel and a demon as she looked on his face. His opened for a brief moment and he muttered something bout his pack. He then fell silent and drifted off again. Sierra found his pack and picked it up. Inside there was a change of clothes, some gold and silver, and three leather bound books. She opened the smallest one first and found it to be a little bible. The second was what she guessed a study book of some sort but it was written in several languages she did not know. The last was his journal, she closed and wondered if she should read it. She had mixed feelings and decided she would. If Tig did not live, then at least someone would know something about him. She sat on the bed next to him and leaned back against the headboard. As she did, Tig let out a slight moan and rolled on to his side. He was now leaning against her with his head slightly on her lap. She smiled at this and set about to read his journal.

He was now leaning against her with his head slightly on her lap. She smiled at this and set about to read his journal.

She moved slightly so his head could relax on her lap and not be kinked so much. She ran her hand through his hair and smiled. He did not have dye in it like others; his hair was naturally red down the center, an odd colored red. It reminded her of the color of blood as it started to dry in a field after a battle. She noticed his pointed ears and touched them. As she touched the one, it flickered a lot like a dog’s ear. Her smile broadened, and she picked up the journal. The cover was made of soft leather with Irish writing on it. 'Gra Dilseacht Cairdeas' she knew right away it read love, loyalty, friendship. The was also a cross embedded on it. She opened it and read noticed an inscription on it.

To our beloved son Connor “Tig” Draco. May you keep your thoughts, and soul within this book? May it always be with you, to remind you that you will always be in our hears. Love your father Mandrake Draco, and Penelope Draco.

She felt a tear form in her eyes and she brushed them away. She then turned the page and saw the first entry dated just over two years ago. She noticed something like a tearstain on the page, and touched.

Tonight during the storm, I find myself lost in a river of grief. My mother passed away tonight. She has had the fever now for three weeks and she could no longer hold out any longer. She knew she was going and called my father, sister, and brother. She hugged each of us and said she loved us. Then she closed her eyes and took her last breath. I know I am a knight and they are not supposed to cry, but I loved my mother. I was the youngest, and she was really all the family I knew. My brother was off into his knight-hood and my sister was married. Father had his duties, so I only had mother. I lost someone tonight that I will never replace. That is why I chose to keep watch tonight. I knew no one would come out here until it was time to get off watch. Elizabeth tried to comfort me, but it was of no help. I know we are supposed to be married once we are old enough, but there is NO love there! I wish there was someway of telling someone. She is a great princess and all, but I know my true love is out here somewhere under these beautiful stars. I will know when our eyes set upon one and another. Perhaps once our Kingdom is up again, I shall leave. I know it will be frowned upon, but my life lies out there somewhere. I can see her in my dreams and I know she dreams of me. I see her blue eyes every night, when my head lays down and my eyes close. I wish the fever had gotten me and not mother. Scout is coming; it is time for my watch to be over. I shall add more of my thoughts later, when I get some rest.

Tig

Scout is coming; it is time for my watch to be over. I shall add more of my thoughts later, when I get some rest.

Tig

Well I got Loki put up for the night. He is a stunning horse, which an Irish Knight would be proud of. I call him Loki, because of my mother was Norse. She said I was like the Norse God himself. I loved to play pranks and when I got Loki, it was from a prank I pulled on the stable master. Now I am just sitting here in the stable trying to get some sleep. Every time I close my eyes, though my thoughts race back to when I was little. I remember mom making me breakfast, even though we had Aunt Brandy our servant. She never treated Aunt Brandy like that. Aunt Brandy was more of a family member then anyone else. I do not even think of her as an Aunt. She is more of a big sister to me then my own. I used to love how she taught me to read and write, it was more of a game then a chore. She could also cook, and she always had warm tea and biscuits for me everyday. She was magical; she knew all this magic and even how to tell the future. She always knew what I was going to do before I did it. I will never forget when I was setting up a joke, so ice cold water would fall on her. She had to know what I was thinking, because when I went to do it, she had already done and I got drenched. All she told me was it serves you right, then she gave me a hug and some treats. We laughed for a bit then we took Loki out for a ride. Those are what I loved best. She would put me in front and hold me tightly in her arm, as she made Toby run like there was no Tomorrow. I truly miss her and wish she had not left.

Sierra closed the Journal and laid her back against the headboard. She drifted off to sleep and placed her hand gently over Tig’s arm. The Surgeon Read came in and checked on Tig. He removed the bandages the contained the maggots and replaced them with new ones. Then he placed some leaches on the massive bruises over his rib cage. As the leaches did their miracle work, he picked up the journal and closed it. An enormous smile rolled across his lips. He had a newfound respect for his princess. Here she was taking care of a stranger, that she knew nothing about and it did not seem to phase her. He knew immediately she would make a great Queen. He quietly left the room after he covered her up slightly and told the guards they were sleeping and they fine. He would send Toby in later to check up on them and to change the bandages.

Meanwhile the king and Lector had gathered some of the other knights into the banquet hall, and we going over what should be done to prepare for the war he knew would come.

“Sire I say we arm the outposts as much as we can, they will be the first line of defense as well as offense. We will have advanced warning of incoming threat and have time to react.” Lector spoke.

The King looked around to see anyone else had opinions. He gaze caught the eye of Sir Hector, he nodded and Hector rose, from his seat.

“Sire, I agree with Lector but I say we should have the people start to prepare the Isle Fortifications. I know we have never had a need of them, but it should be an option we keep open.” He sat down.

No one else had any other suggestions. Therefore, Aragon sat back and thought for a moment. He then nodded and rose to speak himself, “I agree with you both. Hector as my trusted Forest Knight; I shall leave the preparations for Isle Construes up to you and five other knights. Lector, I want you to pick men to send the outposts and have them guard it. If the forces are small, they should be able to defend the out limits of the Kingdom. If they are a large force and they are outnumbered six or more to one, they are set the traps and return at once. The rest of you will begin to help the people with getting crops in and animals. I will send you Sir Ratcliff, and Sir Loupe to move he old, sick, and the children to the Construes with Hector. Also, have the monks help with this task. They have always helped us, when we needed it and will do it again. They will also be in charge with Hector, the people will listen to them and find it comforting having them there with them. Now let us all retire and get rest. We shall have a lot to do starting tomorrow. The guards have been tripled. In addition, the rumors of an Animal Knight are true. One has survived and come here, seeking sanctuary. He will be offered it and all we can do to help him. Right not though he is rough shape and may not survive. I also know some have you heard that it is Sir Mandrake’s son, which is also true. I still have yet to learn the entire fate of the others. Sir Eloise and other have gone to see if any others survived, if not they will bring their bodies for proper burials. Now let’s drink up and get the rest we will need.”

The Knights all stood. Sir Dunlin spoke up, “Here is to the Máel-dúin Kingdom and the Animal Knights, may they live forever in our hearts, souls, and may the young knight survive to carry on the tradition.” All the men cheered and drank down their mead. Then each left the room to go for sleep. The king left to check on his daughter and knight. The guards told him, what Surgeon Read had told them. He opened the door and walked. He found them both asleep and smiled. He kissed his daughter’s cheek and left. He made his way to his royal chamber himself then for sleep.

He kissed his daughter’s cheek and left. He made his way to his royal chamber himself then for sleep.

Sir Eloise and the others had made to the next village by the time nightfall. This was the outpost protected by King Welkin. He is Aragon’s middle brother, He was also King Eochaidh. They had all grown up together as squires and went on to form a close friendship that lasted, unlike many other friendships. They did not fight over land, or anything petty. They would come together, sit down all at once, and work things out. When they first did this, it was to Eochaidh to form his Animal Knights. Aragon had several of his own men train with them as well did Welkin’s men. Their belief was that if they could work together and get others to join their alliance and then their country would be united. Many Kingdoms feared and vowed to destroy it. Many attacks befell each Kingdom and each time the attackers were turned back. The alliance never invaded other Kingdoms, but would come to their help if they were asked.

King Welkin greeted Eloise, and they made their way to his private war room, once there Eloise told him what had transpired at his brother’s Kingdom and what he wanted his brother to do. Welkin agreed and offered Eloise and his men rooms, food, and mead. Welkin then had his Man-at-Arms Wallace begin the preparations. Come morning the outpost would start sending the people and a majority of the crops and live stock to his brother.

Back in Aragon’s Kingdom a young lady of her twenty-sixth of life made her way to the castle, she was greeted by Lector and taken to Surgeon Read. She told the surgeon who she was and questioned about the knight. It became aware to him, that this lady knew the knight and could possibility help cure him. He rushed with her to the room, and broke past the guards standing watch. As they entered the room, they found Sierra asleep with Tig’s head on her lap. The lady ran to him and knelt by the bed. She grasped Tig’s hand and began to cry. This awoke the Sierra, but she just watched and then looked to the lady.

The lady returned her gaze and bowed, “My Princess, this Tig. I helped raise him, and I love him as my own. My name is Brandy, I was his nanny sort of. Please allow me to stay with him and be of help. It may do him good to see a face that he knows and will not be in fear of anything. If you wish me to leave I shall, but please allow me to stay.

“Of course you can stay. I have heard of you a little bit. I read two pages of his journal and in it, he proclaims his love for you as a sister, and wishes you never left him. Please come up on the bed and hold him or hug him if you wish. I do believe as if you that he will be much better off with a face of someone he loves when comes around. My name is Sierra, and please call my by that. Is there anything you can tell us to help and try to save his life?” She inquired of Brandy.

“Sierra, this will sound strange, and please don’t misjudge him for it, but we need blood and raw meat. If someone can get those two things then we may have a chance. Was there any type of serious wound to his body? I ask because if metal was lodge in there and it glowed then we need to cauterize that spot as soon as possible with pure silver. It would have been gold, and he is VERY allergic to it. It can kill him. That is why that ring you have on is silver, and his cross. In addition, we will need lavender to grind into a fine powder once the wound has been cauterized. Please throw that window open and allow the moon and air to come over his body. You have also done the right thing by holding him. Once all this is done, he may live and I can tell you all you are asking about him.” Brandy cried.

The princess nodded and the items were brought. Tig howled out like a caged animal when the burning silver metal was placed to his back where the gold had entered. Sierra and Brandy held on to him tightly as he began to shake, and howl more as the lavender was placed over the wound. The commotion echoed the castle and could be heard down to the grounds. Then as quickly as it began Tig’s body went limp in both their arms and he was unconscious. Sierra and Brandy both exhausted fell fast asleep holding him.

Then as quickly as it began Tig’s body went limp in both their arms and he was unconscious. Soon after, an exhausted Sierra and Brandy fell fast asleep, holding the now quiet knight in their arms.

As the sun rose over Benabic Kingdom, there was a stirring within the chamber that held Sierra, Brandy, and Tig. Tig had risen out of bed and, not recognizing the two figures on the bed, he retreated to a corner of the room by the fireplace. Out of fear that they were the ones that had been after him, he huddled there quietly, like a small child hiding from a bully. Sitting next to him were two items that he detested having to use. Nevertheless, he knew that if he wanted to get well, they were the only options that he had. Picking up the bowl of blood, he slowly brought it to his lips. A tear fell from his eye and slowly rolled down his cheek. Tig was not a normal human but a sub-human. His mother Penelope had been attacked and raped by a creature and Tig was the outcome. Having to drink blood and consume raw meat was the curse of such an unorthodox union. From the time of his birth, whenever he was ill or injured, he would have to drink blood and consume raw meat. No one other then his family and Brandy knew this dark secret. He often wondered if that is why his brother and sister mistreated him and would never have anything to do with him. He pushed that thought away as he lapped up some of the blood before drinking it down completely; thin streams of blood ran down his face and down the expanse of his chest. Next, he picked up the meat and started to eat. He stopped eating long enough to put on his pants and see if the bodies on the bed were moving. Seeing that they were, Tig felt more tears flow down his face. He continued devouring the meat and when he wad done, Tig took a blanket off the bed and covered him up in it; his body hunched over like a scared and wounded animal. He was ashamed at what he was, and would have preferred that they had locked him in the dungeon. He ran his tongue around his mouth and noticed that his canines had gone back to normal. He sighed softly. Those fangs, as he called them and his ears were his favorite features. His hand ran through his hair and cried silently. He may be a knight and almost of age, but he still felt like a freak and a kid at times. He knew it showed weakness to cry as a knight, but he was no ordinary knight, and therefore he felt the code of conduct did not apply to him. As he looked about him, he was completely lost as to where he was. He had never been more scared in his life. At least, not since Brandy had left his family. His green eyes began to slowly close and he drifted off to sleep. Unknowingly, he rolled into the bed frame, causing it to shake and wake Brandy and Sierra with a start. They both jumped and looked at each other. In unison, they both cried, “Where is Tig?” They got out of the bed and began to look around. They found him curled up in the fetal position almost under the foot of the bed. Brandy knelt down by him and gently nudged him. She removed the blanket from his face and saw what was left of the blood there. His sleep-clouded eyes slowly opened and he looked at her.

“Tig, you are alive. Thank the Gods and Goddesses. I have been so worried about you since I got here. I did all the necessary precautions to help you. Now I just need to get you cleaned up and then you will start to feel better. Please come to me Tig.” She reached out her arms to him.

He tried to back away, but with the bed behind him, he was unable to. He could not believe his eyes. His mouth opened to show his canines in defense. This was not Brandy! His mind was playing tricks on him! Then her scent made its way to his nostrils, and he began to calm down. Realizing that it was a dream or a trick, he crawled out to her, huddled into her arms tightly, and cried. “ I thought you were dead. You left and I never heard from you again. Mom is gone, they are all gone. Why did you leave? Why didn’t you take me with you?” His words flowed quickly with his emotions. He then spotted Sierra and tried to cover the blood that was on him. He began to blush and turned away. Before he did, he saw her deep blue eyes and felt his own eyes widen in surprise. Those were the eyes from his dream! Those deep blue eyes were the color of the eyes of his true love.

Together, Brandy and Sierra helped Tig to his feet. Sierra turned her head while Brandy helped Tig undress and get comfortable in the wooden tub. Once he was in, they added more water, then left to get food and more medicine while he relaxed and soaked in the warm water.

Once he was in, they added more water, then left to get food and more medicine while he relaxed and soaked in the warm water.

As Brandy and Sierra made their way to get food, and medicine Brandy stole a glance at Sierra and sighed. “I know you want to know about the blood and raw meat. You also want to know what kind of connection Tig and I have. I will tell you, but know once I tell you it will change the way look, feel, and everything about him. First, you need to know about me. I am his half sister. He does not know that and it can never be told to him. Our mother Penelope was human and she was Norse. She was betrothed to Sir Mandrake. She did not love him, and shortly after their second child Clarissa, Damon was the first-born. Our mother had an affair with Sir Welkin, your uncle. I was the result, and Sir Mandrake found out. He treated me like trash and never allowed me to call my mother that. I was to call her Queen Penelope. He often mistreated me and would beat me. Your uncle does not know that I am his daughter either, and I prefer to keep it that way. I became the house servant, and I often heard my mother cry and plead with Mandrake to allow her to claim me. He refused to, saying I was a Bastard child and he would not allow it. As for Tig, he was born out of a rape. Mother was walking in the garden one night as she always did, and we heard her scream. I ran thinking it was Mandrake beating her again, so did the guards. As we drew closer, we saw something black on top of her. The guards did all they could do protect her, but it was too late. Several months later Tig was born. He was not carried the nine months like a normal child. He was born six months later, on the sixth day and the sixth hour. Mandrake wanted to destroy, but mother would not allow it. We soon discovered that at an early age, he needs the blood and raw meat when he becomes ill. Mandrake had beaten him severally when he was two. Tig’s arms and legs were broken. He had also taken a knife to his head and cut his forehead, hence the scar. I stepped in between him and Tig, and I took the rest of the beating to save my little brother. As we both lay bleeding, I noticed he was turning an odd color. It was then as I held him tightly to me and told him he would be fine, that he licked some of the blood from one of my wounds. His color started to come back. I took him to the kitchen and was getting more blood when he ate the raw meat. Once he had the blood and meat, he was fine within four days. For those four days, he stayed with me in my room. We both remained out of Mandrake’s way after that. Our mother would spend all the time she could with us, but Mandrake would not allow much time. It was not until Sir Tenth came to our home. He saw Tig and knew he would make a great Animal Knight. Hence, his training began that week. I still cared for him and taught him to read and write. I practically raised him. I was the one who helped him play the practical joke on the Stable master so he could win Loki. I started to teach him to ride horses soon after. There seemed to be a bond between the two of them and Tig never put a saddle on Loki, and in return, Loki never threw him off. Mandrake saw us one day playing and having fun. Later that night he beat me and had two of his guards take me to Smead and leave me there. I was to never return to our home. If I did, he vowed he would kill mother, and Tig. It was then that I learned to sharpen my skills as a sorceresses and healer. I have been watching and looking for Tig since then. When word came through your kingdom, of the Animal Knight and his armors marking I knew it was he. I hope you will forgive my intrusion into helping care for him. He is the only family I have left.” She fell silent as they walked to let Sierra soak in all she had just been told. She would wait to see if she had question and then will answer them for her.