Children of the Cursed Page 3

  Alistair could not make heads or tail of what the young man was talking about, but if the Dark Knights were involved then Gawain was in grave danger. “Men. Take care of the young lad here while I go in search of his friend. Understood?”

  “Yes sir.”

  Gawain was still in search of the boy. He did not know the boy's name so he couldn't call out to him, which made the search more difficult. While Gawain searched the hut with haste, he caught a break and heard whimpering coming from directly underneath his feet. He was taken aback at first because Gawain really didn't believe the dying man when he said the boy was underneath them both. “Must be a trapdoor. That means there has to be a switch or lever around here.” Gawain thought to himself.

  And with a little bit more searching, he came across a switch hidden behind a painting hanging on the wall. “Aw, there we go. Whoever that man was, he was good, really good, not just some villager at that either.” He flipped the switch, and the sounds of crackling noises could be heard as a secret compartment in the floor opened up before him. He stood there in awe at first before he cautiously approached the hole in the floor. There Gawain found a little boy with black hair, crying his eyes out. He reached out for the boy, “Let's get you out of here young one, to somewhere safe.”

  The young boy was scared and refused to take his hand; the child just sat there and cried out for his father. Gawain knew the only way to gain the boy's trust was to lie, “Listen to me boy. I'm a friend of your father, he sent me here to get you and bring you to him. How else would I know of this secret hiding place?” Luckily the boy bought into Gawain's story and reached out to take his hand.

  After he pulled the boy out he saw that there was something still left down there. It was a book and by the looks of it, a very old one at that, almost ancient in a way. Gawain did not hesitate; he reached down and picked it up. He wanted to look the book over but did not have the time. Alistair could be heard in the distance calling out his name, so he scooped the boy up in his arms, hid the amulet in his chest plate, and went running out of the hut.

  “Here I am, Lord Alistair.” Gawain waved.

  “Are you alright, Gawain? I was told that you were injured by a Dark Knight,” Alistair took notice of the little boy that the young man had in his arms, “Where did the child come from?”

  He had not the time to worry about such matters of blood, pain, and questions. “Long story, Lord Alistair. But I have not the time to explain, we are all in grave danger and need to hurry out of this place.” Then almost out of thin air, shouting could be heard, as the rest of the Knights along with Caine came riding up on their horses.

  “Hurry my lord! We need to make haste back to the castle, a horde of Dark Knights was spotted riding this way,” Mike said with a nervous look on his face.

  Alistair looked over at Gawain, “Can you ride with your wound while holding on to that child?”

  “No time to worry about that now.” Gawain answered. He might have been in excruciating pain but that did not stop him from mounting his horse, nor did it stop him from holding tightly onto the child either.

  Sounds of many horses could be heard quickly gaining on their position, “Everyone ride, and do so quickly. To the castle!” Alistair roared.

  Meanwhile back at Drasal Castle, King Edward was awaiting the return of his First Knight, Alistair. In a rush, the Chamberlain came barging into King Edward’s quarters, “Your majesty. Your Majesty. I have dire news.”

  The King was startled by the appearance of his Chamberlain; this was a first that Ballard had ever entered his chambers unannounced. “Calm yourself, Ballard,” Edward said. “What has transpired that has you so upset?”

  “Lord Alistair and his men are heading back to the castle in a hurry. However, my King, they are being pursued by the Dark Knights and many at that!” Ballard exclaimed.

  Hearing such news sent King Edward into a rage, and he demanded the Chamberlain leave him at once. He picked up King’s Defender and just stared at the magnificent blade. “Why? Why are those bloodthirsty demons back? Have the Dark Powers returned to this world, could the evil one's resurrection be upon us?” He muttered. “No, it must not be allowed to happen.”

  Edward rushed over to a secret compartment that was hidden behind a bookshelf, and there in that hidden room was the King’s gold plated armor from long ago. Without even thinking twice he put the armor on and made his way out of the castle. It wasn't long before King Edward found himself outside of the city of Drasal, the kingdom he had sworn to protect at any cost, even if it meant his death.

  2

  Friends and Enemies Meet for the Very First Time

  King Edward stood outside the gates of Drasal, patiently waiting for the arrival of Alistair and his men, along with the Dark Ones that followed behind. “I see Lord Alistair and his knights,” the lookout shouted. “They are being followed by men in Black armor, be they demons? King Edward, did you hear me?"

  Edward ignored the lookout’s warnings, and lifted his sword up to his face whispering, “Old friend. I am in need of your power once again, for one last battle.” The King lifted the blade above his head, “I am not going to let you harm my knights or my people. Go back to hell Dark Knights.” King Edward started to chant loudly in an odd language, “Ke, Nome, Me Jah, Ki.” His eyes turned as red as the sun, and the armor he wore became consumed by flames.

  Everyone watching was in awe over what they were witnessing, not a single person knew King Edward still possessed such power. Once Alistair and his men made it inside the city safely, the king went into action. “I unleash the flames of hell upon thee,” King Edward screamed before he slashed the blade through the air, unleashing a blinding bright light. When the light faded the Dark Knights, along with the horses they were on had vanished into thin air. Were they vaporized? Or were they burned into nothing more than ash? Only the King knew the answer. But none of that mattered, for his knights and the people of Drasal were saved.

  Alistair jumped off his horse and made his way over to King Edward; it didn't matter to him what he had just witnessed, it was more important that the king knew of the situation. “Your Majesty. The Dark Knights have burned down the village of Cremshaw to the ground. There was none to survive except for that child that Gawain holds. Also, it seems as though they were searching for something, but I am unsure of what that is, my King. What should be our next move?”

  King Edward was very weak, using that attack had taken almost all the life he had left, but he refused to show it. Any sign of weakness could spell disaster, even from his own knights. “Alistair, head for the castle with the rest of your men. We shall talk about things later, for now I need a word with young Gawain over there.”

  “Understood, my King.” Alistair replied, he bowed and took his leave. King Edward walked over to where Caine and Gawain were standing, having a conversation.

  “Where did the child come from?” Caine asked.

  “I found him hiding outside the hut,” Gawain lied to Caine, remembering the promise he had made to the boy's father, and he intended to keep it.

  “Do you really expect me to believe that?”

  “It's the truth.”

  King Edward appeared beside them, “Are you Gawain?”

  Caine turned around as if he was going to give a smart ass reply, but that changed once he realized that it was the King himself, “Your Majesty.” He bowed. “My name is Caine, this here is Gawain.”

  “Thank you for being humble, Caine,” he said. “If you don't mind I would like a word in private with Gawain.”

  “Of course my Lord. I will take my leave at once.” Caine replied in an utmost manner, he bowed then humbly walked away, leaving King Edward alone with Gawain and the child. Edward looked at the child then back at Gawain, “What is this child's name?”

  “I do not know, your Majesty. For the boy does not speak out of fear.”

  “Maybe when he is more comfortable he will speak. May I also ask where you found the boy?” Gaw
ain looked around to make sure there was no one listening in before he explained everything that had transpired to King Edward. “I see. That is an unnerving tale, young Gawain. If what you say is true then I fear we are all in grave danger,” King Edward said with an eerie look in his eyes.

  “How so?”

  “That does not concern you young one, you should worry about that child and your promise to his father. Remember, that boy could hold the key to saving us all.” Edward went to walk away, but Gawain was quick to stop him.

  “Your Majesty. I almost forgot to tell you, that man also told me to give you the message “the time has come” - they were his last words. He said you would understand.” Gawain explained.

  Those words seemed to upset King Edward in some way, “Gawain take that boy to the Academy, make sure he's clothed and fed at once. Also, you are hereby ordered to become a Master of the Academy, and teacher of the arts to this boy and all others as well. Remember your promise well, young Gawain.” Then he turned and stormed off towards the castle.

  Gawain was confused, and also conflicted with the Kings demands. He wanted to become a Knight Of Valor, not some Master at the Academy. However, the King had spoken and he could not go against the orders given to him. And Gawain did have a promise to keep. “You heard our King.” Gawain looked down at the boy, smiling. “Let us be on our way to the Academy.” He picked the child up in his arms and carried him all the way there.

  Edward was already back at the castle, greeted by Chamberlain Ballard as he was on his way to his sleeping quarters. “My Lord, such a great victory and display of power. Those Dark Knights will think twice before they try that again.” Ballard said gleefully. King Edward did not find Ballard's words amusing, and he pushed straight past Ballard and into his chambers, slamming the door behind him. Ballard just stood there laughing quietly, “Soon all my dreams shall come true, and I will rule the lands. Nothing will stand in my way once King Edward is dead.”

  King Edward was alone in his chambers. He threw his blade to the floor, and started yanking off his armor, throwing it around the room in a fit of rage. “Damn those vile Dark Ones. You killed my best friend. Why him and not me? Damn it all to hell!” He was screaming like a mad man. His fit of rage took the last bit of energy left in him. Edward collapsed onto the floor, exhausted. Edward laid there with no strength to move, all he could do was think about his fallen friend. “Bowen, how could the Dark Knights have killed you? You were one of the best, even better than me. It was you that was destined to be King, not I. But you chose to leave and never return, I could never understand the reasoning behind that decision. But I think I do now, my old friend.”

  Back at the Academy, Gawain had his own issues to deal with, especially with Headmaster Baird, “You bring a child of a pig farmer here and expect him to join the Academy!” Baird shouted.

  “I have no noble blood in me, and yet I was accepted into the Academy. Why should it be any different for this child?” Gawain hissed.

  “I can't explain that, Gawain! Or you could say that I refuse to do so.”

  “You have no choice in the matter, Baird. King Edward ordered me to bring him here, he is to eat, have some different clothing, and train here at the Academy. One more thing, Baird. I am to become a master at this Academy now, that is also the King’s order. You can talk to him about these arrangements if you like.”

  Baird was none too happy with the news, but not even he was stupid enough to challenge King Edward when he gave out orders. “If that is truly the King’s wishes, then I don't have a choice in the matter,” he said. Baird then turned his attention to the little boy, “What is your name? And be quick to answer, I haven't the time for dilly-dallying.”

  The boy refused to answer, and only hid behind Gawain's back. “It's okay. Baird may seem mean but he's actually a nice guy. Besides, we can't just keep on calling you a child the whole time, now can we,” Gawain said with a calming voice.

  He slowly peeked out from around Gawain's back and whispered, “My name is Leon.”

  Baird walked somewhat closer to the boy and looked down at him, “Your last name child, what is your last name?” Baird was a very intimidating man, with his gray beard, and long gray hair, and the scar on his face did not help matters either.

  “Cromwell. Leon Cromwell.” The boy whimpered before hiding himself back behind Gawain.

  Baird's eyes widened; it seemed as though hearing the boy’s name had shocked him in some way. “Take him to the quarters where all the young boys stay, see that all of his needs are met. I will see to it that the council is informed of this, and then the hard work starts afterward. Now be gone with you both.” Gawain had a feeling that Baird also knew of who the boy really was, just like the King did. But asking any questions would be a bad idea, especially with the way Baird was acting at the moment.

  “Follow me, Leon, I will take you to where you need to go.” As Gawain was walking down the hall, on the way to the sleeping quarters, he would point out what room was what to Leon. “That room there is for the study of Alchemy or magic, whichever you would prefer. Oh and this one is for the study of Ancient Weapons.” At the next room they came across Gawain stopped for a moment and sighed.

  “What is wrong?” Leon mumbled.

  Gawain looked at the boy and smiled, “Seems as though someone has found his voice again,” he jokingly said. “Do not worry about my troubles, Leon. This is just the class to train for Knight Hood that I used to be in. But my fate is of another now.”

  He was done showing Leon around and pointed on ahead, “Let's get you on to the quarters before Baird has both our hides.” Gawain nudged Leon forward. When they approached the quarters, Gawain noticed there were still a couple of young boys hanging around and he figured this would be the perfect time to introduce them to their new guest. “Hey, guys” he shouted.

  “Come here, I want you to meet someone.”

  The two young lads came walking over, and neither looked much older than Leon either. “Who is that?” One of the boys asked.

  “Well if you would give me a chance, I will introduce you to him,” Gawain answered.

  “Just hurry up, Gawain. We have an Alchemy class to get to, and I don't want to be on Lady Catherine's bad side.” The other boy hissed.

  “You know if you would just show up on time Henry, you wouldn't get into so much trouble.”

  “And if I wanted an old man's opinion, I would ask for it.”

  If anything got to Gawain it was being called an old man, you could call him anything else, and say anything you wanted about him, but never call him an old man. “Why do you always have to call me old? Have some respect, for I am soon to be a Master at this academy.” He had now forgotten that he had Leon with him, and the whole reason he was on his way to the quarters in the first place. For now, he was in a full-on shouting match with Henry, back and forth the two went on until the other boy ignored the two, and introduced himself to Leon instead.

  “Hi, my name is, Ulric. You must already know Gawain, and the boy he's shouting at is Henry.” He went to shake Leon's hand, but Leon refused, he was still somewhat scared. “Still scared huh? Don't worry, I was the same when I first arrived here, it can be a scary place at first. But everyone here is very nice when they want to be that is. Even Henry, of course. He's just grumpy because he has yet to eat.” Ulric was doing all he could to earn Leon's trust, but for some reason, it wasn't working. And all the shouting definitely wasn't helping either, so he tried another way. “Can I at least ask your name?”

  “My name is, Leon.” The boy whispered nervously.

  “Well, Leon. First, you have to SPEAK A LITTLE LOUDER AROUND HERE IF YOU WANT OTHERS TO HEAR YOU!” Ulric screamed out, getting the attention of Gawain and Henry.

  “What's all the screaming about?” Henry hissed.

  Ulric shook his head, “Don't we have a class to be at? Or did you forget?” Suddenly Gawain remembered what he was supposed to be doing in the first place, and talked for
Henry. “Ah, that reminds me. Since I am running out of time, I order the two of you to look after Leon here for the day. Make him feel welcome or else.”

  It didn't take long for Henry to start running his mouth again, voicing how displeased he was, “What? We don't have to take orders from an old man, I'm not your babysitter either. We're the kids everyone else looks up to - we don't need him ruining that for-”

  Ulric interrupted before Henry could say another word, “Shut your mouth, Henry. Leon is coming with us, like it or not.” He stared down Henry, “Or do you have a problem with that?”

  Henry frowned at the thought, “Whatever, Ulric. You win, he can follow along. But he better not get in the way, or I will be none too happy. Besides, I' m hungry and don't have the strength to argue.”

  “You're always hungry.”

  “Whatever.”

  “Before I forget, Ulric.” Gawain chimed in. “Inform Lady Catherine that Leon is a new student here, that way I can avoid her myself.” He tried to act as though he wanted nothing to do with her even though the look in his eyes said otherwise. He didn't say another word; he just turned and walked off down the hall in a hurry.

  “Now that he's gone we had better be on our way as well. We're already running late so this should be fun,” Ulric said sarcastically.

  Moments later, the three boys had arrived at the Alchemy room but before they went in, Henry decided he had a brilliant idea to keep them out of trouble. “Listen up, you two. I think we should sneak into class. Lady Catherine will never notice us, and remember there's no time to argue with me either. Be best to just follow my lead.”

  “I'm not sure I like this, but you are right, we don't have the time to argue.” Ulric responded. He looked back at Leon, “Stay close by, okay.” Leon nodded, it wasn’t like he had a choice. The boy didn't know much of his surroundings like the others did, also he had too much on his mind to even care.