The Black Knight

Let me tell you reader that what is one person’s fantasy can quite easily be another’s reality and visa versa. If the simple expression ‘Once Upon A Time’ does not evoke a pleasant reaction out of every reader, then please by all means go elsewhere for this is a short story for the true romantic within us all!

Alicia Lascelles had watched King Arthur from the shore be lost among the mists of the river that beheld the great sword Excalibur. It’s timeless ethereal backdrop a fitting place to send the one true king of England upon his death.

The loss of the King and the apparent vows she had decided to take in the church bringing to a close an era of magic, mystery, chivalry and romance or had it?

Alicia, the proud daughter of a French nobleman, who had affiliated his sword to the King, and had sent his eldest daughter as a pledge of good faith to be a lady in waiting for the young queen. For the last four years, Alicia had been a faithful friend to the troubled young monarch. The queen's infatuation with the dashing knight Lancelot, had caused so much anguish to her lord King Arthur. Now, what would become of her? Having beautiful strawberry blonde hair that shone in the sunlight and brightened the darkest day, with a smile that filled her whole face with delight and the green eyes that sparkled with the sheer enjoyment of life, she had spurned the attentions of most of the knights that had tried in vain to court her.

Yet, there was one such Knight that had paid little or no attention to her at court. His name had been Sir Edwin D’Argent. There were many suitors, but she had declined them all, her eyes had been snared by the blue eyes of the knight that ignored her at every approach, who’s eyes matched the very skies on a wonderfully clear day. Where was the noble knight now that the battle had ended? Was he also a victim of the foreigners who had tried, but failed to conquer the lands of the proud King Arthur?

“Milady, it is time to ride back to Camelot. The skies grow dark with the cloud of death that has taken our good King.” Sir Arnold Debouis quietly spoke to the small woman who had captured his heart, but scorned it time and time again. She was not for him that was certain in this life.

Turning Alicia looked at the boyish features of the Knight who had remained constant in his affections for her. Yet, she had never returned any, but to scorn them politely.

“Camelot? Sir Knight will the castle not decay now that our Lord King has gone back to the place of the ancient legends?”

“Milady, Camelot will stand; as we the Knights of the Round Table will stand for all the values that our King taught us. We will let it stand for all time with the stories that are spoken; for the songs that are written of the adventures and the essence of the reign when Arthur came to us as a mere boy. Even then, as he showed the spirit of a great King within such a frail body! Camelot will stand for the justice of our land. The love of our people, Milady, that can never decay.”

“In thee, I trust Sir Knight. Please, lead on and take us back in safety to Camelot.” Alicia looked around at the prone bodies of those that had given their life as Arthur had done. The carnage made her stomach churn. What of her solitary knight of the sky blue eyes?

“Lady I will not betray your trust.” Sir Arnold Debouis walked ahead of the young woman and with instinct battle ready and the hilt of his sword glistening with the remnants of blood of the foreigners.

Alicia could not help herself and asked as she was helped with a steel gauntlet covered hand to mount the horse that had been readied for her. The other three ladies in waiting having gone before her, unable to watch their lord King disappears for the final time, into the mist of legend.

“Have we lost many knights in the battle Sir Debouis?” The French lilt of her voice was distinct, but pleasant to the smitten man at her side.

“We have lost several Knights of the Round Table, as well as many Knights of the provinces. Today was not a good day for anyone.” Sir Debouis spoke in his clipped Norman dialect.

Alicia nodded her head and looked across the battlefield as they left the area, for both of them never to return again.

Alicia had been waiting patiently for her father for over a year to send an escort to enable her to leave Camelot. The castle that was now besieged with doubt and petty bickering between not only the peasants, but the noblemen and women too! It had been a long wait and her need to leave the place had become overpowering as the days went on. Long had she felt that her heart had been broken when the solitary Knight with the sky blue eyes had not returned from the battlefield. Now, she wanted only to go home and see her family in Normandy.

“My lady there is a strange Knight at the gates who says he has a message from your father.” The coarse guttural voice of the head maid said and passed her a parchment with the seal of her father’s house.

Glancing at the first message she had received from home in over three years, she quickly broke the wax seal and as the pieces of wax fell at her feet she looked at the contents.

Alicia clutched the parchment to her breast. She looked around the room and retrieved a lace shawl, draping it over her shoulders. Looking at the weather beaten face of the head maid, she then motioned her to lead the way to the Knight.

The night air was cool as winter approached. Although the shawl gave some protection from the coolness of the night, the dampness of the night air clung to her encroaching on the warmth of her own body heat.

The battlements, as always, were heavily guarded. The glimpse now and again with the flicker half light of a torch in the recesses of the castle caste more shadow than light. The whole appearance gave a dark evil intent as night fell. Walking quickly, she was annoyed at the slow gait of the maid that would show her the means to go home! As with everything in life patience cannot always be cultivated. Alicia sighed at the delay, but nonetheless slowed her own steps to match that of the servant.

“He be there.” The maid pointed to a dark figure in the deepest black armour she had ever seen. Although, the light, or lack of it, could be playing tricks with her eyes.

“Thank you. I will not need you again. You may go!” Alicia said softly then looked at the Black Knight before her. The Knight had yet to turn his back so she could see the face of the man, who, had not only saved her father’s life it would seem. But, also had pledged his sword and in so doing, his life to her for the journey home.

“Sir Knight, you are here at the bequest of my father, Count Henrie Lascelles?” Alicia asked the Knight, who, she noticed stiffened at her voice.

“Yes,” a low voice hardly distinctive was barely heard by the anxious young woman.

“I thank you Sir Knight for saving his life.” Alicia watched the Knight. He did not turn. He stood erect in the dark armour that protected his body and would in the near future protect hers as well.

“Your father is a true knight of the realm of the late King Arthur. It would have been a sorry day indeed that I leave such a fine ally to die at the hands of cut throats who did not know his worth.” The Black Knight stated, his voice low, causing Alicia’s heart to pound at its timbre.

“My father believed in the King. He had many times laid his sword at the Kings side. So, tell me where did you meet my father?” Alicia saw the brief stiffening of the armour-clad figure before her. She wondered why? It was an innocuous question surely!

“I was on my way to seek permission to woe the hand of the one I love. I was on the same road that evening when tragedy struck your father. Providence saw that your father was not forsaken and that I could aid him and in so doing save his life.” The Knight spoke in a soft tone.

“So, after this event, you managed to finish your own deed; which is very important nonetheless, if it was the hand of the woman you loved?” Alicia, for some strange reason was hurt that the Knight had a sweetheart.

“No! No, I had to relinquish the deed for another time. Our good King Arthur needed all the knights he could muster. But, I came too late! For that, I will be eternally cursed and my line, I fear,” the Knight responded, his voice barely carrying to the pensive woman still unable to see the knight who had not turned to see her.

“Then, I hope one day you can continue your quest to seek the hand of the one you love.” Alicia stated sincerely.

“I will work towards the redemption Milady. I need to fulfil the life I have left to me.” It was a quiet admission of a guilt, which to Alicia had no bearing on the situation. Or, was that not the reason for the Knight’s being on the road to help her father.

“Redemption is only for those that have done wrong. Saving my father was not wrong!” Alicia replied earnestly.

The Black Knight stood a silent statue for several minutes. Alicia thought that he had finally decided not to answer. Stepping forward, she put a hand out to touch the gauntlet, the cold steel sending a shudder up her spine.

“The saving of your Father was perhaps a blessing in disguise for events yet actioned,” the enigmatic response for Alicia could have no reply in her mind.

“My father said to trust you Sir Knight. But please, do you have a name?” A plea that Alicia never realised came from the heart until the sounds echoed in her ears.

The Knight in question sighed heavily. The heavy gauge steel armour that he worn clanked in a tone that indicated careful movement of well kept possessions. Turning for the first time in the darkness and facing the woman that he was to escort to Normandy as the darkness preventing the observer from making any particular appreciation of the true personality of the knight in question, “My name Milady for our journey, is simply Black Knight.” The quiet tones of the Knight splite the air like the swift blow of a sword in a parry with an opponent.

Alicia was entranced with the mystery of the Knight before her; it sparked her attention for the first time since she had felt the terrible loss of the Knight with the sky blue eyes. And yet, she had never heard that he had died, or anything else about him for that matter! Perhaps there was hope? Yes, there was always hope in every situation.

“Sir Black Knight, when are we leaving?” Alicia asked quietly. She so wanted to see the Knight in the daylight and see…see what? She did not know, but she would find out come the morrow.

“At your leave Milady. The earlier, the better in my mind,” came the low voice her heart had reacted to at first hearing.

“I will need to take my leave from the Knights of the Round Table. Perhaps, you know some of them?”

The Black Knight turned once again to his observation of the inky blackness of night that had descended.

It was a cryptic remark Alicia wanted to understand, but the very stance of the Knight betrayed his annoyance at the question - another time perhaps.

“I will take leave of you Sir, and of the morrow we will journey to my home as my father wishes.” Alicia finally conceded that the conversation, which had shed little light on the dark figure before her, was ended.

“I will wait for you at the gates at your leisure Milady,” the Bblack Kknight turned once again to observe the young woman.

“As you wish Sir. Goodnight.” Alicia turned away, not waiting for a reply and walked back towards the main keep of the castle and her room. Tonight, not only did she have plans to make, but also her mind was awash with the differing feelings-of was it familiarity with the Black Knight? Tomorrow things would be different. The light of day often shed its rays in the most unexpected places.

The Black Knight stood on the hillock observing the heat of a fierce battle of the Knight he beheld, which had been surrounded by the marauding peasants, who had beset the older Knight. The Knight was obviously taken unawares on his way to the battlefield in King Arthur’s support. Several blows with the primitive pike of the peasants had knocked off the helmet of the older Knight. Then to the searching gaze of the Black Knight beheld a man known, or at least from a distance anyway, the Count Lascelles. His allegiance to King Arthur had been of great help with his well-trained forces from Normandy. He was helping to seek out traitors who landed on the French shores. Now, the old man needed help. What better way to train for the battle that was waiting then to despatch some of these peasants to their maker.

The Black Knight rode like the wind towards the small battle area. To his amazement, many of the peasants ran in fear as he chargeds the black stallion towards the fray. The older Knight saw his opportunity to make a few pathetic blows of his own with the short dagger he still possessed. As the Black Knight chargeds towards the half dozen offenders, they went scattering in every direction as the long staff he wielded with precision gave many a headache of gigantic proportions. As the peasants realised that the Black Knight, who looked fearsome was, also, as fearsome in battle, they gradually moved away from the prone figure. A couple tried, but failed to dismount the demonic horseman in his attempts to eliminate them.

As all the peasants who could run, walk or stagger made haste away from the two Knights that left only the dead.

“Kneel Raven!” the Black Knight commanded his stead. The magnificent beast obeyed immediately, dropping his forelegs and then the hindquarters to allow the Black Knight to dismount without the need for a Paige to assist him.

The Black Knight approached the older Knight and carefully scrutinised the injuries that could be seen. Moving slowly closer, not to cause further distress to the injured party, the Black Knight spoke softly, “Can you ride Sir Knight?”

Count Lascelles looked at the rather menacing figure before him. The height alone from his position on the ground made the Knight very intimidating. "I have to do so. Our King needs all the swords he can muster for the battle ahead.” The older Knight muttered in a heavy French accent.

“You are in no position to help the King, Sir. I will escort you to safety and help to attend your wounds. Then go on my way to offer my sword and apologise for your absence. The King will understand.” The Black Knight replied slowly and watched through his visor that shadowed his eyes, which also refused to allow enough light inside to give the onlooker any idea of his facial attributes.

Count Lascelles realised the folly in trying to go to King Arthur’s aid and accepted the generous, if unsolicited help from the unknown Knight. “Sir Knight what name does one call you?”

The Black Knight stood as if the words had turned him to stone. Hesitating for only a moment before he spoke "Let it be known that I answer only to the Black Knight." Striding forward he held out his black gauntlet arm and watched as the older man grasped it. They managed eventually to bring the knight to his feet, the heavy armour being a major hindrance in the task.

“As you wish Black Knight. We must hurry for you need to be back for the battle. And what a battle it promises to be." Count Lascelles spoke with enthusiasm.

“Yes! I believe it will be a glorious battle. One to tell the grandchildren.” The Black Knight answered very seriously in a wistful voice as they moved towards the black stallion that waited patiently for his master’s command.

Yet, it had never been a glorious battle for either of them. The Count had a severe wound that bled continuously the entire journey to the inn that housed some of the servants of the older Knight. They had been unable to stop the flow. It was highly likely that the Ccount would die without proper help. The Black Knight did the only thing he could. He sought out help that would aid the injured man and the battle was over before he could return. King Arthur had died at the battle. Now all was lost, or appeared to be. There was no more, the trueborn King of England.

The Black Knight had travelled the country; along with others also in the crusade, to redeem himself from the inability to fight at the Kings side, bringing back the message that the King had entrusted to his name. He had only agreed to this one request by the ailing Count, because it was felt that he neared his end and he wanted to see his eldest daughter one last time!

Now, he was here. So was she. Together they would journey to her home. Then, he would leave to follow his own lonely path!

Alicia watched the tall Black Knight gently stroke the muzzle on his black as night stallion. She was once again taken over by the feeling that she knew this particular Knight. And yet, she had never seen one such knight at the court of King Arthur. As she approached his position, the hand that was gently stroking the horse now stopped and the Knight turned.

Alicia had to stifle a feeling of disappointment as the visor on the black helmet, which the Knight wore, was closed. The face of her companion on the journey was once again indecipherable to the onlooker. This Knight certainly wanted to keep his identity a secret from everyone. Perhaps it was only here that the deed was necessary. Perhaps on the road together, she would at least know his face, if not his true name.

“I’m ready to leave Black Knight. I have my possessions on the cart and my horse is saddled and waiting.” Alicia duly informed her protector for the journey home.

The Black Knight turned from his task and looked through his visor to see the beautiful young woman standing erect and proud waiting for his instructions. “So I see Milady. I will be ready to leave shortly. If you have friends you wish to say a final farewell to, I will wait.”

Alicia considered the offer and then shook her head. “No. I await your leave. There is nothing for me here now.”

The Black Knight moved away from the woman and was about to return towards the market in the town that was on the outskirts of Camelot castle when he stopped at the mention of his name. “YOU! Sir Black Knight wait!” Sir Debouis shouted as he came within yards of the Knight who was to return the lady he loved to her home.

Alicia frowned at the entrance of Arnold Debouis. What on earth did he want with the man before her?

The Black Knight stood silently. Waiting for the other Knight to approach and within his helmet, he smiled at the rather flushed cheeks of the slightly over weight Knight. A Knight he knew had wanted to escort the lady home on several occasions for the opportunity to ask her Father’s permission for her hand in marriage. Even though she herself had said no to the Knight frequently.

Count Lascelles had dismissed Debouis’s idea and selected the Black Knight to return his much missed oldest daughter to his side. He sorely wanted her home, as she was very good company, always happy, and he had sorely missed her during her absence to King Arthur’s court.

“Who are you Black Knight that has permission to take the Lady Lascelles to her home and family?” Debouis demanded arrogantly.

“I was given the task by her own father. The Lady has his letter, if she chooses for you to view it.” The Black Knight spoke clearly in an actuarial way, but with a cold menace to his words.

Sir Debouis looked at Alicia for confirmation. Her head moved in ascent as she reached inside her gown to retrieve the said letter. “As you see Sir, the Black Knight is correct in his entrusted charge from my Father.”

“Alicia, you do not know with whom you travel. Have you even seen the face of this so-called Knight? Has anyone? Even your father? How do we know he is honourable and the same person your Father thinks he is?”

“Sir, may I remind you, for that slur on my honour, you must allow me to fight you in combat, this day!” the Black Knight fairly seethed with anger at the other Knights arrogant attitude to his honourable intentions.

“It will be my pleasure Black Knight. Then, we will see who fits the true Knight of the realm to take this Lady home.”

Debouis knew he was at a disadvantage in height and therefore chose the poleaxe as a weapon on foot.

Within the hour, both Knights were in a circle arranged by various spectators; not least of which, was the Lady Lascelles, who watched the personal battle over honour commence.

As with all hand-to-hand combat, much of it was the parry and sidestepping that made it more of a dance than a dangerous pastime. Both Knights were equal in the ability to side step vicious attempts by the other to make the first strike.

However, the first strike did indeed come. It was the Black Knight whose attention had been momentarily lost as the sight of the Lady Lascelles came into view. Her face held not fascination as most ladies did in this type of encounter but she looked fearful and anxious. Debouis had his opportunity and managed the engage his poleaxe in the visor of the black helmet tangling it there.

As the Black Knight eventually managed groggily to displace the weapon, blood appeared at it’s tip signifying that a blow had indeed made a mark. The Black Knight momentarily stunned managed to weave out of several more attempts to make more marks. As the bravado of the other Knight increased so came the opportunity to strike a blow in retaliation and he aimed the poleaxe spike directly at the shoulder of the Knight. The force cleaving open the armour and planting itself firmly in the shoulder blade, thus ensuring the Knight fell to the ground in agony.

The Black Knight watched the crowd rush forward and encompass one of their own, shielding him from further harm.

One person stood alone on the circle of the battlefield and the Black Knight looked with quizzical eyes at the Lady Lascelles and bowed gallantly towards her. She had several tears in her eyes and the traces of tears that had already been shed. The Black Knight moved towards her, “We are ready to leave now Lady. No better time than now, I feel.” The softly spoken words defied the Knights daunting prowess on the field of battle.

“Do you not wish to attend to your injuries?” Alicia asked hims equally softly and noticed the red stain that now marked the neck of the man; the white flesh stained with the red liquid of life.

“No!” The Black Knight went towards the stables and found their respective mounts. Within a short space of time, they were at the gates of Camelot being allowed to leave. Alicia took a backward glance at the place she had called home for the last five years. The cart laden with her possessions ambled along several yards behind them.

Alicia did not regret her taking leave. Her only sorrow was her inability to find out what had happened to Sir Edwin D’Argent. Now, she would never know. Sighing heavily she had not noticed that the Black Knight was alongside her and heard the sound.

“No, no not really. My one regret is that I never found out about someone I cared for. They never returned from battle. It has always plagued me the loss of one so alone and yet!”

“And yet?” The Black Knight reined his black stallion closer to the chestnut mare that she rode proficiently.

“Yet, he did not care for me as I…never mind. It is long over.” Alicia glanced towards the green pastures that gave them a reasonable element of safety from the bandits on the road, but no protection. She smiled as she thought. For hadn’t she her own protection now? He was called the Black Knight!

As nightfall came the Knight saw fit to have a log fire positioned in the hollow between the forest and the open road. It was a suitable place to take care of the safety issues for the Lady. Settling her in the cart for the night, the Knight spoke quietly to the cart driver, and then left the area towards the stream that was hidden behind the staggered trees.

Several minutes had eroded. Alicia became worried about the Knight for if it was water only that he had foraged for, then that was in abundance close by. Perhaps, he was hurt rather more than he had at first allowed. Silently she reached for a warm cloak and quickly descended from the cart without the knowledge of the driver, who was busily eating pieces of the rabbit they had roasted earlier for their meal.

Alicia was to find the Knight and to this day she wasn’t sure who was the most surprised by the encounter. Her or the Knight! For before her she saw that the helmet had been taken off and long flowing ebony hair greeted her as the Knight with his back turned was bathing the injuries he had received.

“Please let me?” Alicia said gently and her next words were lost as she encountered the most beautiful eyes she would ever see in her life. Sky blue. The eyes of one, Sir Edwin D’Argent!

The Black Knight didn’t have time to replace the helmet. He was taken totally unawares as the beautiful woman came to stand at his left side. Without conscious thought the secret face of the Black Knight was revealed to the Lady. The sky blue eyes that ensnared the green eyes, which now looked at the Knight with recognition--puzzlement and finally, shock as the name passed her lips in question.

Standing to full height the Knight continued to look deep into green eyes and a small smiled played along the full lips wryly.

“No, Milady, as you see, I am not a man, therefore Edwin would not be appropriate. I am Edwina D’Argent Lion, eldest daughter of the first Knight of the round table, Sir David Lion, who was lost to the Crusades many years ago.”

The softly spoken words captured Alicia’s attention as her eyes roamed freely over the face that she had never seen. Yet, she had. Her heart had seen it and loved it. Yes, loved it from a distance. The only thing she could think to do was place her hand tenderly to the injured cheek that bore the mark of the earlier bout.

The Black Knight relished the touch of the Lady, who had been in her heart from the first day she had arrived at the court of King Arthur and swore her allegiance to the King. Who had been the only one to know that Sir Edwin D’Argent wasn’t a man, but the Lady Edwina D’Argent Lion; the only child of his great mentor and early friend, David Lion? The secret had been kept and taken to the grave with the King. Edwina had been despatched on an urgent recognisance task earlier that day prior to the battle, and been delayed with the details to Arthur because of the Father of the Lady before her. ‘Had he know, would he still be alive today? That was always the question? One never to be answered in this lifetime.’

“Why? Why did you want to live your life a man?” Alicia asked quietly and gently pulled the cloth that was being used to wipe away the blood on the woman’s cheek. Placing the cloth in the cool water, she returned it to it’s task and proceeded to wipe away the traces of blood, leaving only a jagged cut that might heal, but, probably would leave a scar.

“I was my father’s only child. We travelled the Crusades and he taught me his craft. I became more proficient than even the Knights of the Round Table that sought his guidance and experience. I swore my allegiance to the King long ago. He agreed to keep up my charade until I felt it was right for me to claim my Father’s title to land and his birthright that had been lost to him due to treachery when he fought for years abroad. I fight for his line and now I fight for the redemption my own foolhardy choices in life.” Placing a warm strong hand on the one that was administering to her injured cheek, she pulled it away and she looked for something in the green eyes that she herself did not know what. Then she shook her ebony hair and replaced the helmet.

“Are you still going to take me home?” Alicia asked in a tentative voice, the soft melodic sounds striking a slither of hope in the Black Knights solemn thoughts.

“I have given my word and my sword to see you home safely Milady. If that is not your wish, then please, I will take you back whence we came and you may chose your own escort?” The Knight waited patiently for a reply. Her heart beating so loudly in her chest, that she feared the other woman would hear it and know the reason.

Alicia looked at the sky blue eyes she had loved from the first moment she saw them sparkling in the sunlight. To her the same feeling was still there. Even though now, she must think about the other issue, what she had thought a man was now a woman. How did one reconcile that change? For it was a physical change, not a change of the true heart. She knew deep within her soul that it did not matter. She would find a way to show her love for this lonely Knight. Who was indeed her Knight in shining armour be it Black and not White as the driven snow, for time would take care of the problems she was sure of it!

“No, Black Knight, we journey forth together as my father wanted. Let us rest. We have a long way still ahead of us, and we will do it together.”

Edwin looked at the younger woman. Gave her a small smile that sent the sparkles into her sky blue eyes as Alicia gasped at the change. She returned the smile; her own eyes glowed at the warmth she felt at such a small show of…affection.

“Then onward we will go Lady Alicia Lascelles. My sword is yours for as long as you need it.” The Knight turned away and pulled down the visor effectively blocking out any chance that another would see her face.

Alicia walked at the Knight’s side a happy smile of her own, ‘I would take your sword forever!’ was her thought as they re-entered the area where the cart driver was still munching happily on his roast rabbit, having no knowledge of her leaving the camp site.

Tomorrow they would set of on a journey together, the Black Knight and the Lady.

The Black Knight had delivered his precious charge to the home from whence she originally came. The Normandy Castle was now alive with the sounds of the servants and their start of the day’s activities. Today was indeed going to be a special day. Count Lascelles was throwing a party in honour of the return of his eldest daughter.

Lady Alicia Lascelles watched the Black Knight stroke the mane of her tall, imposing steed, Raven with gentle care and attention. Her position at the window onto the courtyard below gave her a very good view of the happenings of both servants and… a very special Knight.

Their five-day journey to the home of her birth and the reunion with her ailing father had been uneventful. Well, if you call finding out that the brave Knight you had assumed a man was not only a woman, but also the person whose eyes had captured hers, as well as her heart so long ago in Camelot. That made her feel so much love for the person within. Then it was otherwise uneventful. Arriving the day before in the glorious mid afternoon sun to her father’s castle, had made Alicia wish something had delayed them. She felt in her heart that the Knight would stay no more than the required night to sleep and refresh her horse.

After a tearful reunion with her father, with even more tears from her younger sister, who was a little taller than Alicia and had chestnut hair the colouring of their father. Sophia had looked with appreciative eyes at the Black Knight who waited patiently holding the reigns of his steed a few paces behind them. Alicia had not cared for her sister’s maidenly glances towards her Knight. She was sure with a certainty that was as clear as the next breath she would take to keep her alive, that the Black Knight was hers - and hers' alone!

Her father had motioned for the Black Knight to stand forward and receive his thanks. He knew the young Knight would accept nothing for his journey. The honour of the Knight had convinced the old Count that he was a true Knight of King Arthur’s round table, even if he had not sat around it in fact!

“Sir Black Knight, I thank you for the safe return of my daughter. May I ask did you encounter any trouble along your journey to these shores?”

The Black Knight inclined her head and as always refused to remove the helmet that held her secret safe within, a fact that sorely aggravated the Count.

“It was with honour that I return your daughter to the safety of her fathers home. I’m sure she will now be happy, here among her family. We did not encounter trouble of any manner to speak of. Your daughter’s safety was never in jeopardy,” her voice a low tone that could have been described as neutral by many. But to Alicia, who watched in fascination the words being uttered, she could see Edwina’s beautiful face speaking them.

“Alicia, come! We must celebrate tomorrow with a party in your honour. Sir Black Knight please, you must stay to celebrate along with us. What say you?” The Count had put a tender arm around Alicia’s waist and was laughing merrily as he spoke the words.

“I will by your leave, only stay until the morrow. Then I must move on to my next crusade.”

All eyes shifted to the black imposing figure. A heartfelt sigh could be heard from the younger sister Sophia at being deprived of the possibility of engaging the Knight in something other than watching him tend his horse.

The Count shook his head wearily. He too sighed, but with regret for his new friend who had become so much more to him - more like family and the son he had never had.

“I respect your wishes Black Knight. Will you venture this way again soon so we may honour you with a banquet fitting the Knight who not only saved my life, but who has now returned my daughter home safely?”

Alicia had disengaged from her father as he spoke quietly to the Knight. Her green eyes sparkled with anger at the affront that the Knight gave in not accepting the invitation to the party on the next evening.

“He will stay papa!” Alicia exploded arrogantly, and then turned the full effect of her angry stare to the shining black helmet that affected a steel screen between them.

The Count shifted in discomfort at his daughter’s rudeness and her audacity. Surely the Black Knight would not put up with such a show of possession from her. “Daughter, be quiet! This is for the men to decide. Go inside before you damage the friendship that is between our two houses!”

Alicia refused to be thwarted. Her eyes grew angrier still, if that was at all possible.

The Black Knight had made no move to counter anything said. Suddenly he raised his black gauntlet and the three sets of eyes rested on him again in total absorption. “You want me to attend your party Milady?”

The words caused Alicia to take in a sudden breath at the way the resonation made her feel from the top of her head down to her toes.

Now all eyes turned to Alicia and waited for her response. “Yes, Sir Knight, I wish it so,” her voice rasping. She was sure someone would mention that it came out somewhat breathless as well.

The Black Knight came closer to her, picked up her hand and raised it to the visor in a gesture of a kiss. Alicia was sure of that, or was it just her fanciful imagination?

“I will do as you bid. But, beware fair maiden, a price may be required,” the words spoken so low only she could hear them.

“What pray tell would that price be Sir Knight?” Alicia beseeched for the Knight’s ears only. Her face turning a delightful shade of pink at the possibilities it brought to mind.

“For that, you will need to wait for the festivity,” came an enigmatic response that had her heart fluttering wildly in her chest.

“Count Lascelles I will be happy to stay until the celebration is over. One can never tell if there are vagabonds still waiting in dark corners of the castle. We do have two fair maidens to protect do we not Sir?” Without waiting for a response, he turned and walked with total command and authority towards the stable. The steed called Raven ambled along proudly directly behind the powerful and stunning Knight.

“What did you say to change his mind Alicia?” her father inquired. Although surprised, he was very pleased at the outcome.

“I merely extended your offer once again to the Knight. Nothing more than that father.” Alicia was watching the retreating back of her…now what could she call the woman who was so clearly happy masquerading as a man? Her head shook at the thoughts, for there was no answer to them at this time. However, there would be. Oh yes, there would be!

“Then daughter, you and he must have become friends perhaps, on your journey home?” Her father smiled at her with the same green eyes as hers as both twinkled in the sunlight.

Alicia considered her father’s words. Her smile filled her whole face with delight and brought a reciprocating one from her father.

“Yes! Yes, I do believe we may have become friends.” Her words expelled quietly as she put her hand through her father’s arm. They then walked happily towards the doorway to the main hall, following her younger sister.

Now, watching with a hand to her lips and concentrating on what she could wear that would dazzle the Knight before her and not make him leave shortly thereafter. It was a perplexing thought. One she wasn’t sure she could answer in truth. But, why dazzle, for it was certain that the Black Knight could have no feelings for her other than as the elder daughter of the noble man he saved on a journey to the late King Arthur’s side. Sighing heavily the door to her room was opened in a dramatic fashion and her sibling Sophia stepped inside as her long gown in a russet brown sweeping along with her. She looked like the sail of the ship they had taken only a few days earlier to reach France.

“Sophia do you ever knock?” Alicia chastised her. It had little effect though, as Sophia bustled towards her sister and kissed her on the cheek saying good morning as she did so.

Sophia looked down from the window that Alicia had been intent upon. She smiled as her eyes alighted on the Black Knight. “He makes a handsome sight does he not Alicia? So, come tell me what he was like on the journey?” her sister questioned in an excited voice.

Alicia smiled at her sister’s enthusiasm and shook her head at the notion that any one could know what the very private Knight was. “He said little Sophia.”

Sophia gave her sister a wide-eyed look that spoke the words she was not telling all in this matter. “Please Alicia I like him. I was trying to get Papa to persuade him to stay longer, so I could have the chance to get to know him. But, I feel that it should be you that I need to convince.” Her sister, being four years her junior, was very impressionable and somewhat apt to live a life of fantasy.

Smiling and placing a hand to the arm of her sister, “Please sit Sophia. We will talk.” Alicia was disturbed by her sister’s admission. It was one thing to think that her way to the Black Knight heart was strewn with obstacles, quite another that one of them should be her own sister.

“I’d rather watch the Knight, Alicia. He does look so fine handling his horse, do you not think?” Sophia refused to be drawn along by her sister. So, Alicia herself watched the Knight, her own heart singing as she did so.

“He will not stay Sophia! He must continue on his crusade. It is something he must do for his father.” Alicia said softly knowing the facts, but only allowing her sister to hear a very edited version.

“Sophia his father is dead and he…would not reveal his true identity to me as he also did not to our father. We must respect that. Perhaps, if we do, he will return and come see us from time to time.” Alicia was sure her own longing for the Knight to stay would be revealed in her voice, but her sister appeared to take the words at face value.

“There are so few eligible noble men Alicia. What will Papa do should we not marry soon and if he dies, what then?” Sophia uttered, her voice full of woe.

“I for one am happy at the moment Sophia. I do not want to marry a man that I do not love. Do you not think the same? Papa looked quite well yesterday Sophia. He looks strong, he is not an old man.” Alicia was distressed that her sister thought their father might die.

“Alicia you do not know, since the Black Knight brought him home he has been slow to recover and now he has started to cough up blood. He does not say much Alicia. He just smiles all the time, but it pains him. You can see it in the eyes sometimes when he cannot mask it. You know we cannot stay at the castle should he die. It goes to our cousin Count Johan Defries. He is married with three children already. He will not let us continue to live here.” Sophia had tears brimming and ready to cascade down her cheeks.

Alicia put a loving arm around her sister in comfort. If her sister was right about the health of her father and it was death that starred him in the face, they would indeed be at the mercy of their cousin’s benevolence. He had never been that, even as a child. “I will go see Papa immediately upon our finishing our breakfast together and I will see for myself. So, come Sophia. Let us go and have some bread and cheese and a little goats milk. It will do us both good.”

“Will you make it alright Alicia? Papa does look so much better now that you have come home, but it maybe too late.” Sophia looked down with a steady glare at the Knight below before she turned back.

As Alicia looked down also, the Knight in question turned his black helmeted head towards the direction of the window and both lady and Knight stood silent as something intangible passed between them.

“Are you coming Alicia, if you do not move soon the Knight will see you and think we are interested in him,” she laughed merrily as her other sad thoughts now banished as Alicia was taking over the troubles.

“I’m coming.” Alicia replied softly, though tempted to bring her hand up and acknowledge the Knight, but thought it far to brash to do so. She turned suddenly and went through the door that her sister held impatiently.

Count Lascelles had been amazed that his eldest daughter had managed to persuade the silent black armoured Knight to stay for the party. Although he had expressed a wish to leave as he saw fit.

Contemplating all the issues at stake and the lives of his daughters, he was loath to see the Knight depart. But, what could he offer to keep him here. Walking over to the rich tapestry that his long deceased wife had placed over the now glowing embers of the fireplace, it always made him smile as he thought of that first day he had entered this room and saw it hanging there. It depicted not the usual fighting scene that was evident in many of his friend’s homes, but a gentle scene of a flowing river and several maidens partaking in a leisurely stroll along the banks. Some arm in arm others throwing stones in the stream and of another using a pole to fish with. The sun was bright and high in the sky, but the lush green fields had been a little dimmed over the years, but still gave the tapestry that calm peaceful setting. He had chastised his wife for her sentimentality, but it had lasted for all of two minutes. She looked at him with the most distinctive blue eyes he had ever seen, and as from the first time he’d ever locked gazes with her, his heart reached out and it found a home. He had never argued with his wife.

Although their life together had been shortened by the plague, he had regretted none of it and loved every single moment they had spent in each other’s company. That was what he wished for his two children. He had never forced them into unsuitable marriages and had hoped fervently that Alicia might meet a proud Knight at Camelot and be happy thus herself. That was alas, not to be; she was now home and no suitors had been spoken of except Sir Arnold Dubois. She had not wanted him and he could not force her, it wasn’t his way. What would become of them if he should die soon and that was something he did not wish, but felt the draw of death coming closer each day?

Turning towards his view of the courtyard he saw the Black Knight performing the menial task of grooming his horse! For many knights it was a menial task, but for this Knight it was not. Hadn’t he once explained on his last visit when asked?

“I have serf’s for such a task Black Knight. Please let me despatch one immediately to the task.” Lascelles responded, annoyed that the head of his stables had not posted a serf to take up the task prior to the event. He must talk to the man soon!

The Count continued the view the scene of the Knight and the steed. He suddenly placed a hand to his forehead as if a brilliant thought had attacked him without a defence. “Of course! Of course, how could I have been so blind? That is the ideal solution!” Smiting a hand to his forehead, then having to reach for a piece of linen as a coughing fit ceased him and the red patches of blood appeared again, but more enhanced today.

“Levant, Levant get me the Black Knight immediately! Do not delay.” Lascelles shouted to his personal manservant, who had been watching with interest and then anxiety as the Count coughed hard.

“At your service Count I will do as you bid.” The man scurried off to undertake his errand.

The door was closed only for a few minutes before his daughter knocked on it gently and upon hearing her father, she went inside. “Good morning Papa, how are you this beautiful day?” Alicia smiled warmly at her farther and placed a small kiss on his cheek as she sat beside him on the horsehair seats in his room.

“My daughter good morning. It is a pleasure to see you. I wondered if I dreamed your return, but no, you are flesh and blood.” Her father smiled at her with an indulgent look.

“Papa, I hear things that disturb me.” Alicia said tentatively. She and her father had the same temperament. It was placid and caring and although she did not want to anger him, as once angered, her father had a fiery temper like her own.

“My daughter, please what is it?” Lascelles gazed upon his eldest daughter. His heart swelled up at how she had developed into a poised, beautiful and compassionate woman. He was sure his wife would have been proud. No! No, he was certain she would have been very pleased with the young woman beside him.

“Sophia is upset that you are really sick Papa. That you might die?” Alicia as ever, was not tactful, not when the answer mattered so much to her.

Lascelles thought of being evasive and then changed his mind. “Alicia there comes a time when we old war horses need our rest. Perhaps for me, as it did with King Arthur, my time is near. But, I will not go easily daughter, so please do not worry so.”

Alicia gave a half cry and flung her arms around his shoulders, she loved her father. He had always been there for them especially when their mother had died ten years hence. He had not let the suffering he felt at their mother’s loss affect the children. That had been a blessing to them and he had loved them dearly. “Papa is there anything I can do?” her voice filled with tears.

“No daughter, nothing more than your being here. That is enough, as I’m sure it will bring me strength by your presence. Please do not cry child. It will all work out daughter. One day we will all be happy.” Lascelles had always loved the first-born child the most. One should not he knew, but she was so open and honest. Yet, she gave so much love and understanding to everything and everyone, even the servants.

King Arthur had been very vocal that she had been a wonderful source of caring to the people in general, not just his court. She was simply, Lady Alicia, a light that shone when darkness appeared. She was the woman, who had captured so many of his Knights hearts, but had refused all the overtures. Not one had managed to scale the wall she had built.

The King had been praiseworthy of her with his queen, court and the general populace. For the Count, it had been a glory that surpassed the battles he had fought and won. It was a battle won by caring, warmth and love. He had been proud, so very proud.

“I love you Papa. We will be together for a long time. I’m sure of it.” Alicia loving responded her words muffled into the heavy brocade her father wore around his neck.

“Yes, daughter we will.” Her father smiled. For it may not be in life that she beheld him, but in her heart and wasn’t that enough? Whilst one lives in the hearts of people and they are talked about and remembered, they can never die. For memories are the things that are passed down in stories from generation to generation through which you could live forever!

The door to his private room was assailed by several heavy knocks and he told whomever to come inside.

As the door-opened Levant announced the Black Knight and he retired as the Knight moved forward into the room.

To Alicia’s eyes he dwarfed the room. It suddenly became stifling, for all the wrong reasons.

“Ah, Black Knight, thank you for answering my invitation,” Lascelles said grandly.

The voice was so low Alicia was hard pressed to hear it. Yet her smile came unbidden and threatened her composure.

“Alicia would you please leave us. I need to speak to the Black Knight alone.” Her father requested quietly into the ear of his daughter, and then saw her look at first with irritation, and then it softened.

“Yes father. I will be in the rose garden if you care visit me?” Alicia wasn’t sure if she issued the invitation to the Knight, or her father.

Alicia pecked her father’s cheek and walked towards the door and stopped within inches of the Knight. “Good morning to you Black Knight.”

The Black Knight turned slightly so his visor could see the young woman before her. “Good morning to you Milady. Did you sleep well?”

Alicia could almost, but not quite picture the expression on the Knights face. Would it be enigmatic or happy or playful or…she did not know, and she cared not at this time.

“I slept well Sir Knight. Why would I not? You have promised your sword in my protection. I take it that it extends to the castle as well?”

“Yes.” A single word that would always make her heart feel light. It was just what was meant to be and she felt that she and the Black Knight were meant to be.

“Thank you Sir, on that I will leave you with my father and see you later.” Alicia moved towards the door and she thought she heard a reply.

“So, Black Knight, I need you to consider a proposal.” Lascelles said distinctly as the door closed behind his daughter.

“I await the information with interest Count.” The Black Knight moved closer to the older man to hear his words with perfection.

Now he had a decision to make and it was one that had repercussions no matter what. It would not be right, whichever way he decided to go. His own redemption was far less clear. How in those circumstances could he possibly take on others?

Wasn’t the redemption he sought part of taking care of King Arthur’s obligations. It would be so easy to say yes, and consider something so far removed from her sights achievable. But then, it would be a lie, for the Count did not know and would never approve; it was all pie in the sky, a dream never to be fulfilled. There was only one thing she could do in the circumstances. She could feign a relationship with a daughter and that would keep the old man happy and the vultures at bay. Well, for now at least. Yes! That was a viable proposition; a very viable proposition and he knew the daughter in which to make it happen, it was going to be so easy.

“I will court your daughter Sir. But, it must be with discretion and she must never know of this conversation between us?”

“Sir, I would not do so. If my daughter chooses you, then it will be without cohesion. I do not believe in forced marriages Black Knight. My daughters must marry for love. Even at this late time in my life, I know it must be so and I know deep down it will be so.” The old Count replied, his own memories of his love for his wife taking over.

“I hope that is the truth Count Lascelles. For I would not want to leave behind me…heartbreak in your family.” The Black Knight moved towards the door then rested a hand on the large handle in readiness to open it.

“My dear Sir, you have brought us only good. Your well-being is important to us and to my family, all of them! I hope you enjoy this evening’s entertainment. Please will you allow me to announce your betrothal tonight? It would be fitting.”

“Count, please, I need to ask the question of your daughter. Then we will do so, if she is agreeable.” The Knight took his leave.

Lascelles watched the virtually empty courtyard fill with people as he waited for the Black Knight to emerge. As he did so, paths as he approached opened up and he went on his way without trouble. ‘Yes, his daughter would be happy at the knight’s proposal. It was a solution in part, and one day Alicia would find someone that she would want to marry.’

The Black Knight had asked directions to the rose garden from one of the scurrying servants, as he was preparing the castle hall, making ready for the evening’s festivities. It would be a low-key affair, but no less grand in its presentation.

Approaching the secluded courtyard area, she heard the low melodic tones of someone singing a happy melody. For a few moments the Knight stopped and listened. It was a melody that she had not heard before. It was so haunting; it captured the attention quite by chance and entered the heart without a care. A smile crossed the dark helmeted Knight and she walked towards the voice that was drawing her closer and closer as a victim to the web of a spider.

Alicia bent close to a beautiful blood red rose and smiled at the aroma that assailed her. It was so delicate a fragrance and matched the song she was singing. Her sharp hearing picked up the sound of armour. Although to many, the Knight would have appeared silent. To her trained ears after four years in Camelot, it was familiar and brought a gentle smile to her lips as good memories surfaced.

“Sir, have you lost your way to the stables?” Alicia laughed inwardly as she imagined what that comment would make on the Black Knight’s face. She did not need her eyes to know it was she. She knew instinctively it could be no other.

The Black Knight stopped in her tracks once again. A slow smile of pleasure crossed her face. “No! I wanted to see the rose garden that you mentioned. The flowers would need to be so beautiful to attract the attention of such a true rose.”

Alicia was so surprised at the comment, she quickly stood erect and over balanced, causing the Knight to move with surprising speed considering the weight of her armour to catch hold of Alicia’s arm before she sank to the ground without decorum.

“Thank you.” Alicia rasped haltingly and was relieved, but also disappointed when the Black Knight removed her hand as she was steadied quickly.

“At your service Milady.” The quietly spoken voice of the Knight brought Alicia’s senses to a pitch that she should surely not feel.

“So, Sir Knight, you have had a good rest and are ready for the evenings entertainment?” Alicia asked her voice breathless.

“Yes, I’m well rested Milady. And you, are you rested after the journey we endured to bring you home?” the voice warm or so Alicia thought.

“I am very happy to be home. I slept well in my own room and bed.” Alicia smiled, looking directly at the Knight.

Alicia wasn’t sure if she knew the answer. She walked away from her position and sat down at the wooden seat that looked upon the rose garden in a position encompassing the whole garden area. It was so beautiful it was breathtaking.

The Black Knight came closer to Alicia. It was a strange feeling to consider that what her heart desired was what the father of this woman desired also, but for different reasons. Edwina was in love with the glowing green eyes and the beautifully smooth and flawless face of the woman before her. She had been so from the first day that she had set eyes on Lady Alicia Lascelles over four years ago. It had only grown stronger. The feeling had not diminished as some unrequited love often does. How could her love have diminished when as each passing season brought forward further reason for Edwina to love the young woman? Alicia had compassion, warmth and love for people that went beyond the court of King Arthur. It travelled to his people and they all loved the smiling and gentle French woman, who braved the elements and the severity of the conditions the people lived in to show that side of her nature. Now she had been given permission to woe a daughter of the Count. Although had the Count been aware of the subterfuge of the situation and that the Black Knight was a woman instead of a man, it would be so different, so very different.

“Yes, it is a very beautiful sight.” Edwina said softly, her eyes turned to the woman before her rather than the garden itself.

Alicia looked up at the shining black helmet that was turned in her direction and she held her breath at the comment. Was it for the garden or…her? “Then Sir would you sit beside me and contemplate the beauty for a few moments together.”

Edwina had not missed the intake of the breath of the woman. She was loath to take advantage of the woman in the circumstances, but what could she do?

“Milady, I will stand and observe the view from this vantage point. We are, as you know un-chaperoned!”

Alicia blushed at the comment. Did the Knight consider her forward in manner and speech? She hoped not. It would be a hard burden to bear.

Several minutes passed as they both looked at the garden, but all they really wanted to do was gaze at each other. Alicia thought the silence would never end and she finally took the courage and tried to start another conversation with the Knight.

Edwina wanted to shout out that she would never leave the woman at her side. But, she knew deep down, this maiden would never consider a life with her. It was a dream that would not be fulfilled. All that she could hope was that the Lady would consider the charade of a betrothal to be in the best interests of her fathers failing health.

“That my dear Lady depends on the answer to a question.” Enigmatically spoken the Black Knight turned to face the young woman and as she did so, she raised the visor, which obscured her face to all eyes.

Alicia looked up and was rewarded with the sight of those startling blue eyes that made her heart race. They held so much strength of character and when the Knight desired warmth that seared into her soul.

Sapphire blue eyes entreated emerald green ones to understand and a small smile played on the edges of the Knight’s lips as she considered her answer carefully. “I have been asked by your father to consider asking one of his daughters to marry me!” Before the Knight could say more Alicia was on her feet and standing inches away from the Knight her stance aggressive.

“My father would do no such thing. He wants us to marry for love!” Alicia responded with alacrity.

A shadow passed briefly in the Knights eyes, as the truth was laid bare for her to see. It would be impossible for the lady to love her. Why ever did she think that it could or would happen? Only fairy stories ever had a happy ending. Reality did not!

“I know Milady, and I think your sister Sophia is in love with me. So, I will do my duty and ask the question.” Edwina’s voice low and held a tinge of sorrow. Had she been given the slightest indication that Alicia was interested, and then she would have gone down on her bended knee and begged for the young woman to accept her offer. But alas, she did not see that.

“YOU CANNOT DO THAT! IT WOULD BE CRUEL TO SOPHIA AND MY FAMILY!” Alicia shouted at the woman before her. What was she thinking? If it was anyone she should ask, it should be her, not her sister!

“I had an obligation to your father Milady, I will see it through.” The Black Knight responded quietly, but the strength behind it was not lost on Alicia.

“You are a woman. My sister is innocent of that information. It would be dishonourable to ask her.” Alicia seethed, her mind stumbling over the events happening before her.

“Yes, I am a woman. It would mean that your sister would say no. I will be denounced and sent packing. True justice for my deception, do you not think Milady?” Edwina turned away from the flashing green eyes. It troubled her to see the hurt she was inflicting.

“Then why ask her? Why not ask me?” Alicia’s voice held a plea that Edwina could not understand. She turned back to the woman and saw…what did she see? Was it love? Was it compassion? Was it purely needed to protect her sister from an embarrassing situation?

“You already know the facts Milady. How much more disrespectful would that be to ask you to marry me?” the voice so low that Alicia had difficulty hearing it.

Alicia was taken aback by the comment. Would she have considered it disrespectful or would she have felt it an honour? Her heart told her one thing her mind rejected it.

“I think Black Knight that to save my sister and my fathers face this day, you will need to ask me the question. We will deal with the details at a later date.”

Edwina was surprised, somewhat annoyed, but exceptionally pleased at the offer. “Milady, it would be wrong of me to ask you to do this. Perhaps, I should just leave as I intended to do yesterday?”

“NO!” the emphatic reply was so loud Edwina looked about her to make sure no one else heard, then came looking for the reason behind the disturbance.

“No? Why is that Milady? Surely it would not be a hardship for your family. You could say that not only had I duped your family with my deceit, but the late King Arthur. No one would hold that against you, no one with honour that is.” Edwina spoke the words solemnly. It was time to move on. Her redemption was in another place.

“I will not allow you to be less than honourable Edwina D’Argent Lion. You have saved my fathers life and brought me home without any hope of gain when others wanted so much more!” Alicia had listened to the messages of her mind, but her heart had overridden it with a force that she was sure would send her down to the ground with its impact.

Edwina gave a wry smile and contemplated the words uttered by those tempting lips. “For now I will do as you ask, but take my warning Lady, being betrothed to me will link our lives in such a way, that it may become impossible at a later time to wash away the stigma of our association, when the facts are generally known.”

Alicia watched the sadness creep into the blue eyes that beheld hers. She smiled gently, her warmth and confidence mirrored in her green eyes. “I will be the judge of how you will affect my life Edwina. Please accept that as the truth.” Her eyes strayed to the wounded cheek and it looked angry and red in stark contrast to the alabaster skin.

“Does the injury pain you Edwina?” Alicia’s voice soft with concern. Her hand timidly went up to touch the edges of the wound.

Edwina flinched away and saw the pain that inflicted on the green eyes facing her. Her own emotions in turmoil, she did not expect the woman to touch her? Her fear of physical contact with Alicia should her resolve to not show her true feelings be breached had made the situation worse. “The injury will heal, as all do. It will leave a scar. Though one I will happily carry to the end of my days.” Edwina announced.

The very words lit a spark in Alicia’s heart. The pain she had felt at the flinch was replaced with a feeling of delight at the words.

“You will want to remember me in such a way, how very….” Alicia trailed off her eyes captured by the blue ones and a tendril of what could only be versed as understanding passed between them.

“Your father will want to have the full details, I am sure from you, of how the Black Knight succumbed to the beauty of his eldest daughter and that she accepted his proposal of marriage. If you say your father is a romantic and wants his daughters to marry for love, he will expect no less.” Edwina said her voice low and to Alicia she couldn’t wish for anything more, than to listen to the melody of it the rest of her life. That was a dream that perhaps could not be, for it would be inevitable that people would find out about the Black Knight. Edwina would have to flee the area. Who could approve such a union?

Edwina saw a look of consternation cross the younger woman’s face, and then a defeated look replaced it. What had she thought that caused her to have such melancholy thoughts? “You appear distressed Milady? Please, have I voiced something that pains you?”

Alicia stated at the question turned a bright smile to the Knight. “Of course not Edwina. It was a fleeting memory that was all. Nothing you have done, I assure you. To answer your question earlier, yes my father is a romantic. He and my mother were very happy together. Had it not been for my sister and I, it would have been probable that he would have joined her shortly thereafter. I am eternally grateful he did not, for he has shown us much love. I hope one day, I too, can feel that same emotion he and my mother shared.” Alicia stated wistfully.

“Milady, I will hope in my heart that you find that one true love and it is returned with equal measure. For now, I’m afraid you will have to make me your dream of love. I will endeavour to make it my place to ensure that no harm befalls you as you seek your true love Alicia Lascelles.” The Black Knight bowed as low as her armour would allow.

Alicia watched in quiet fascination as the Black Knight knelt on one armoured knee and placed a black gauntlet hand to the chest piece of her armour and striking the point close to the heart held out the hand towards her gallantly. “Will you Alicia Lascelles, elder daughter of the Count Lascelles, of the Castle Lascelles in the province of Normandy, accept my hand, Edwina D’Argent Lion, better known as the Black Knight in marriage?” Blue eyes gazed into green with a determination and warmth that Alicia had not expected. The words had the ring of truth about them, as if Edwina was acting in sincerity and not as a whim of her father.

Momentarily stunned into silence Alicia could not help but gaze with a secret passion into the blue eyes and she noticed that the eyes looked confused at her actions. “Edwina D’Argent Lion, I Alicia Lascelles will be honoured to accept your hand in marriage and I accept all that being your betrothed brings.”

Edwina was indeed confused; this was a false declaration surely! Yet, it had appeared to have the ring of truth about it, making her heart race at the possibilities those simple words could bring. “Thank you Milady for doing me the honour. I will take your leave and be by your side this evening so that we may announce the happy news.” Edwina was about to turn and leave the rose garden, but the small hand of Alicia placed itself on her arm and stopped her in motion.

“Do you think we should not seal the acceptance with more than a simple thank you Sir Knight? Do you have no heart?” Alicia said playfully, but her blood felt as if it was boiling up inside. Her emotions so chaotic at the very notion of those full lips kissing her.

Edwina turned her face up in shock at the words. Whatever did Alicia mean? Surely she did not expect a kiss? Looking deep into the eyes of liquid green pools she saw that indeed there was mischief but something more. Well, she had never been one to back down and her very honour had been doubted here, so be it. “My apologies Milady.” Bending closer to the upturned face of the younger woman, she placed a chaste kiss on the cheek of the woman who had closed her eyes in anticipation.

Alicia felt the softness of the lips caress her cheek gently, and then the feeling was gone as gossamer flies in the wind. A soft moan emitted from the young woman. She did not know why, but it hadn’t been enough!

“You call that a betrothal kiss Edwina? I call it a kiss shared between sisters, not as one lover to another! We do have to look as if that is truly what we are.”

Edwina again gave a start at the audacity of the small woman before her. Was she playing with her? Probably! Did she care? No! What was there to gain? Everything! Edwina’s heart called to her.

“I am at your command Milady Alicia. If that is your wish, I will gallantly proceed.”

A smile came over both faces as they starred at each other as if for the first time. As the full lips of Edwina D’Argent Lion settled on the soft lips of Alicia Lascelles, both women closed their eyes and sank into the wonderful feelings that this one kiss produced in them both. It was a contact that was to leave them breathless and wanting more. However, as the Knight pulled away, she sped on her heels out of the garden and back towards the stable and the retrieval of her equilibrium.

Alicia could not call back the Black Knight. She had no voice in which to do so. Her whole body had turned to jelly at the surging emotions this one kiss had evoked in her. Is this what love was all about? Was this feeling of euphoria only ever to be experienced in the kisses of the Black Knight? Could she continue her life without feeling this again? Her mind was so full of questions. Many of which could not be answered until the evening when she would have the pleasure of the company of the Black Knight once again. It made her giddy to think of it. Now it was time to tell her father the good news. For Alicia did feel that now, it was good news. She had fallen in love. It was now up to her to convince her father that her love was as pure as his had been with her mother, it was that simple.

The Black Knight had taken Raven for a long gallop over the hills and green fields of the lands belonging to the Castle Lascelles. When it was over, not only was Raven exhausted, but the Black Knight as well.

Edwina’s feelings were open now there could be no going back. What she had experienced in that one kiss with Alicia would be stored in her heart forever. The love she now knew was as old as the earth itself and could never be fulfilled. At least for the moment, she could be in the company of the young woman. She could drink in the beauty of her and keep her safe, until such time as the Lady herself chose to take another betrothed. The mere thought of such a thing brought a pain into Edwina’s chest that threatened to fell her from her horse at its intensity. How could she feign not telling the woman she loved of her loving? It would be so hard not to fall on her knees and beg for another kiss, or a touch from those small gentle hands and see warmth and love gaze out at her from those vivid green eyes.

Now she must control her actions and make sure that Alicia did not get hurt or see the hurt that she could with a few words inflict on Edwina’s tender feelings. For it may not be a mace, crossbow or even a sword that caused her death, but thoughtless words from the small strawberry blonde woman who had captured her heart and could crush it under foot without a care.

Pausing briefly to scan the fields ahead that lead to the gates of the castle, Edwina saw several horses grazing in a nearby field but could not make out who was with the steeds. It was getting near to when the festivities would start. She did not want to be late especially now, but she had a feeling that the owners of the horses might not be friendly. Fanciful thoughts and unfounded, Edwina scrutinised the area once more and then rode off towards the castle and her betrothed.

Alicia had wanted to talk to her father and inform him of the Black Knights proposal and her acceptance, but he was sleeping and his valet Levant, had not wanted to disturb him. He had looked so very tired. Alicia had accepted the man's concern for her father. She smiled her understanding and said she would see him later at the party.

Sophia, whom she had also wanted to inform, had been with the dress maker and was in such a dizzy mood with the woman, Alicia felt it best to go back to her own room and consider what gown she would wear that evening.

Looking over her clothes she felt that nothing justified the way she was feeling at the moment, it was to be a wondrous announcement. Perhaps she could convince, over a period of time, the Black Knight to stay at the castle. Perhaps one day, who knew, Alicia might make Edwina love her as she loved Edwina. It was a chance and a single thread of hope she knew she held. A chance that could be dashed by the Knight with a few words having one meaning - she was leaving the Castle and leaving Alicia behind. Such a slender chance it was to envisage, but she could see the road that the chance would offer her. She willingly would go down it, if Edwina were at her side. So tiny a word was love, but so much could be achieved once it was in your grasp and acknowledged within the heart.

Pulling out a silk forest green dress with cobalt blue sleeves, it was a beautiful creation and she had never worn the garment. It had been made for a feast of victory in Camelot. But alas, that victory although achieved, had taken away the most precious life of the King and it was more a wake than a party. Now the dress would be worn in all its colourful splendour at a party in her honour and on her betrothal also. It was fitting it should be so.

The lute player was weaving a happy tune along with the flute player and the shimmering of the torches that produced the light within the castle burned brightly. Laughter was the noise that enticed anyone to the castle hall where a large banqueting table was filled to overflowing with everything imaginable. Large pheasants fully trussed and presented in a beautiful fashion adorned the table along with a large roasted pig, fresh bread, gallons of wine and numerous other delicacies that could possibly be found in the area.

Several of the castle dogs were eyeing up the table in the hope that they would be thrown a morsel to two. Although they looked thin to the general sight, the dogs were generously fed in the castle.

The selected guests that the Count had asked to the party commemorating his elder daughters return home, were busily talking and eating with the obligatory goblet of red wine to wash down the food.

At the centre of the table the Count was laughing merrily with his daughters on either side of him with several noble men and woman flanking them. One person missing at the start of the celebration was the Black Knight. Not only was Alicia hurt and annoyed at the lateness, but the Count was a little disturbed by it as well! Had he gone too far in his earlier suggestion to the Knight? Perhaps! They would have to wait and see. He hoped that the Black Knight would not take his time to court his younger daughter. But, young men these days had other priorities other than love on their minds and for certain, the Black Knight had other things he wished to do with his life.

As if the Knight had heard the thoughts of the Count and the annoyance of her betrothed, the Knight made an unobtrusive entrance to many. However, to Alicia and her father, it was as if he commanded attention and dwarfed everyone inside with his stature and elegant ambience. The Knight had changed from his normal black suit of armour to a glimmering silver suit, which shimmered in the glow of the torches. Comprising of a breastplate, covering a chain mail vest, gauntlets that only covered the wrist to elbow and silver armoured lower leg braces. Royal blue brocade leggings completed the outfit and it was with a surprise that no helmet was in evidence.

All eyes starred at the mysterious Black Knight, who was now open to the eye of everyone. Long ebony hair was tied back and hung neatly in the back and the alabaster skin that was now marked with a rugged looking scar looked around with a bored expression. If someone should look to closely the Knight would give him or her a piecing glare that frightened the most inquisitive of onlookers. The Knight made his way towards the long table that held the family she had sworn her allegiance to for a short period of time.

“As you requested Milady Alicia, I have taken up your kind offer to attend your party.” Edwina looked into the green eyes before her and gave a slow curious smile, which made the blue eyes sparkle.

“Thank you Sir Knight. For what should I have done had you not taken up such an offer, tonight of all nights?” Alicia said huskily, her eyes trapped in the snare of the blue ones before her - the woman was stunning. She did not have the natural gentle beauty that often was portrayed in women, but she was incredibly attractive and it made Alicia’s heart beat faster at her need to have the Knight kiss her again.

“So, Sir you deemed it important enough that you have forsaken your mystery and we at last see your face?” The Count had watched the interchange between his elder daughter and this very soft faced Knight. It had been very interesting, very interesting indeed.

“In truth Sir, I have reason to want to be free of my helmet this night,” the words enigmatic.

Had her father looked over at Alicia he would have seen the start of a pink tinge appear on her cheeks at the possible reason for that remark.

“Then I welcome you Sir Knight. It is with great honour that you have blessed this evening with your presence. Now daughters, it is time to show everyone how well, you dance.” He clapped his hands and the flutist began a melody for the dancers in the rooms of which there were many.

Alicia rose gracefully as did her sister and she was about to move closer to the Knight when her father called him over to speak. Frustrated, she smiled a false smile as the elder son of the Count Devries asked for the dance. She reluctantly gave him her hand and went on to the centre of the great hall.

It was some time before the dancing stopped and the revellers were allowed to wine and dine. Alicia had been watching Edwina move about the room with her father, introducing the various noblemen and their houses. In most other circumstances that would have been fitting for the person she was to marry, but alas, in this circumstance, it was ironic and made her sad that it wasn’t real.

As she walked towards her seat a gentle large hand placed itself on her arm startling her, stopping her at the edge of the room. Looking up she was captured by those marvellous blue eyes and her own green ones reflected back a warmth that caused the rather dour expression on the Knights face to dissolve into a small smile.

“I want to be polite and say yes. But alas, I am not the social nobleman that your father appears to think I am. Although, if the scenery changed a little, I may be persuaded to reconsider.” Edwina spoke so quietly Alicia had to move closer to hear the words and she realised then that they had a mere inch between them.

Green eyes locked with blue and a longing passed between the two souls that now touched spiritually, but not physically. “What scenery would that be Sir Knight? Alicia asked, her voice barely audible to her ears, never mind to the one before her.

“Why, the view of having the woman who agreed to marry me on my arm as now, and the chance to gaze into her eyes at any moment and see those enchanting green eyes sparkle.” Edwina retorted in a husky voice and never once let the green eyes move away from hers.

Alicia was struck by such a profound feeling of love for the woman at her side she could barely stand, never mind acknowledge the sentiment. “I think then we must announce our intentions or people will talk, will they not?” People had indeed turned to observe the tall imposing Knight standing very close to the smaller figure of the elder daughter of the house of Lascelles.

“Does your father know?” Edwina moved a little distance away for the sake of decorum.

“No. No, I had no time to apprise him of our discussion. We should inform him now, and then allow him to make the announcement. It will make him happy.” Alicia affirmed, and with the Knight barely touching her arm she guiding her forward towards her father.

He was having an animated discussion with the man that had invited Alicia to dance initially. She smiled at him and proceeded to her seat next to her father. Where the nobleman had been sitting, he reluctantly stood up and bowed briefly to her and eyed the Black Knight with unconcealed dislike and walked away. “Father, I need to tell you something important.” Smiling at her father with a look of love that made her father pat her hand and smile back.

“Of course daughter, please, I’m all ears. Do tell me what is so important that you interrupt my conversation with that young man?” Her father chuckled at the cross look that passed over her features at the remark. “Daughter, come now, I was only teasing you, please what is so important?” Leaning forward so that she could whisper in his ear, she was unprepared for the sudden movement the news caused in her father; he scraped back the heavy chair and looked at first Alicia and then at the Black Knight.

“NO! That, I will not allow.” Her father shouted and all the room suddenly became silent.

“Father, why not?” Alicia was so surprised at his reaction. Had he not wanted one of his daughters to be married to the Black Knight? Had he not asked the Knight himself to ask one of them? What was so wrong?

“He does not love you Alicia. He does not love you!” This time her father turned towards the silently watching Edwina, who had been somewhat surprised at his reaction. Yet, she had known that the father had a soft spot for his elder daughter. He would have been agreeable had it been his younger daughter in this position.

Alicia was about to answer the question and was forestalled by the silver gauntlet of the Black Knight. “I will answer your fathers questions Milady. Please remain calm. All will be well.” Blue eyes with a gentle look pierced her green ones. The tears that threatened to fall did so without heed of her struggle to keep them at bay. A finger tenderly traced the path of one such tear and a smile of understanding shone from the Knight’s face.

Alicia knew in her heart that questions she had asked herself might now be answered. She felt that it would be a revelation that would make her very happy.

“Count, I have not been entirely honest with you. For that, I apologise. However, it was with good intent that I asked your daughter to marry me, for Sir, I do indeed love her. I will protect her until the day I die. You have always known me only as the Black Knight, but I am in fact, known to others as Edwin D’Argent Lion. My father was Sir David Lion, early friend of King Arthur and a true Knight of the round table. It is with that honour that I ask you to grant this betrothal. I do believe that you will not have cause to worry about my love for the Lady Alicia.” Edwina had wanted to confess that she was Edwina instead of Edwin, but had decided in light of the mood around her, it was not prudent to do so. Nevertheless everything else she said had a ring of truth to it.

The old Count looked at the Knight with a look of sorrow. He had just had his precious daughter return; to be taken again by the Black Knight was something that would break his heart. He had hoped that the Knight would choose the younger daughter. For as much as he loved Sophia, he knew that she had feeling for the Knight, which could develop to love. Now, what to make of this? What did Alicia want? Did she love the Knight that had now confessed his heart to the entire room?

“Sir Knight I thank you for your words, but it is not so easy for me. I wish to know what my daughter feels in her heart. Please allow us a few minutes to converse in private over this matter.” Holding out his arm for Alicia to take, they left the room as the other guests stood, intently watching the proceedings with aroused curiosity.

As the flute player broke the silence, many of the other guests began to talk. It was with a great deal of relief they did so or Edwina was tempted to leave the Castle immediately. Her eyes scanned the room and saw a small circle of noblemen talking to the man who had taken Alicia to dance that first dance. The stance of the circle of five men looked none to happy and Edwina kept her eyes discreetly on their actions. Just then a small hand was placed on her steel gauntlet.

“Black Knight that was a surprise?” Sophia spoke quietly. Her eyes making the Knight turn away from his previous observations.

“Milady, it was a revelation to me also.” Edwina sighed slightly, watching the reaction from the sister of the woman she loved.

“My sister is very fortunate you love her Sir Knight and have taken it upon yourself to break the news this evening.” Sophia remarked, her voice getting lower at every word.

“Is there a significance about tonight?” Edwina inquired, her interest now piqued.

“Oh, yes! Tonight Count Devries son asked my father for Alicia’s hand in marriage. He is a cruel man and certainly holds no feelings for her other than as noblewoman of high rank to give birth to his children.” Sophia smiled winningly at Edwina and chuckled.

“You find it funny?” Edwina was seething with an inner jealousy that the man had approached Alicia’s father and that he did not love her. What was she? Some brood mare!

“No, not funny exactly, but you have thwarted the man and he will not be happy. Then again you have upset father also. It will take all of Alicia’s power over him to make him see you in a better light. For father believes no one is good enough for her. Whilst I, on the other hand, he does not mind so much.” Sophia pointed out the facts, mot seemingly distressed by them in any way.

“Milady, I hope in the future you find a person to love you dearly.” Edwina replied sincerely. The young woman had always come over as silly lightweight girl, but she now believed that it was a front that she used to get her own way.

“Oh, I will Sir Knight. Have no fear of that. I get to chose from all of the suitors and especially now.” Smiling, she removed her hand from the silver gauntlet and moved away to talk to one of her friends.

Turning back to see what the circle of people with the Count Devries son in the centre was up to, she was perplexed to find that the group had gone and were no longer in the room at all. Walking over to one of the Castle soldiers on guard duty, she asked the whereabouts of the noblemen and was told they left the castle some minutes before.

Edwina mulled over that snippet of information and decided they were up to no good; with that thought in her mind, she too, retreated from the hall towards the stable and her battle armour.

Alicia was conversing with her father and trying to convince him that she did, indeed, love the Knight and that she knew of her father’s request of the honourable Knight. The Count was shamefaced at his deception as they now silently faced each other.

“My dear daughter, do you love the Knight truly?” Count Lascelles had never known his daughter lie to him at any stage in her life.

“Father, the Knight is the one true love of my life. Should I lose him now, I will be lost and alone for the rest of my life.” Alicia spoke the works from her heart and looked beseechingly at her father for his understanding.

Alicia walked over to the open window and saw a tall figure that was etched into her soul striding towards the stables. Her heart dropped! Had Edwina decided that it wasn’t worth the effort to continue the betrothal and had decided to leave?

“Father look, Father please look! She’s leaving me, you scared the Knight away!” Alicia did not realise that she spoke the one truth that her father had been troubled with at the sight of the bareheaded Knight. He did not look the manly type at all. Now Alicia had confirmed the truth as only one in love who forgets totally everything, but the terrible burden of watching someone they love apparently leave.

“Alicia you do fret so. Leave it to me. The Black Knight will not leave you. I give you my word.” With that comment between them, the Count went out of the room and from the castle window, she watched her father follow much the same path that the Knight had taken.

The old Count had not expected the Black Knight to flee the castle like a thief in the night. At all times, the Knight had always served himself and others with a honourable stance. Albeit it the Knight was in love. What he had expected to go well did not! For that, the Count chastised his folly. But to have to find the errant Knight before he, or in this case she depart the castle, possibly never to set foot within it’s walls again and break the heart of his beloved daughter. No, no that wasn’t the way it would be!

Stepping into the darkened stable lit by only two torches, which flickered and glowed with the small breeze going through the open doors.

“Black Knight please show yourself.” The count demanded and waited in the glow of one of the torches so that the Knight would not consider him a threat.

The demand was not answered. All the Count heard was the clank of armour and shuffling in the recesses of the stable area that he knew the Knight had taken residence in, for the short time he had perceived he would be in the Castle.

“Sir Knight, is this the way a gallant Knight who served King Arthur well and who has sworn to protect my daughter up to death itself, acts when a simple question is asked?” The Count heard the indrawn breath and knew that the words had wounded the honour of one such as the child of the very worthy Knight Sir David D’Argent Lion.

“I would stay Sir, but I fear that we may have trouble approaching. I plan to see it vanquished before it reaches the Castle walls and the very lives of the women we love.” The words softly spoken and as soon as they were uttered the Black Knight appeared into the light donning the full black armour that she was associated with.

The Count looked perplexed at the words. Then he gazed directly into the sapphire blues eyes that were as yet uncovered by the visor of the helmet she wore.

“Who would do such a thing? We are not at war. Nor have I knowledge of an enemy that wants to take over Lascelles?”

The Black Knight considered the question carefully, then looked down at her gauntlets and then back into the green eyes that Alicia shared with her father. “I have reason to think it maybe the son of your friend the Count Devries!” the answer solemn.

As the Count shook his head at the possibility, the Knight went over to Raven and began the process of saddling the steed in battle readiness.

“Why would he do such a thing?” Count Lascelles quizzed softly, not particularly expecting an answer. As he spoke, he walked over to the Knight and helped her saddle up the large black steed.

“Sophia said that the man wanted to marry Alicia and perhaps our announcement tonight made another decision more practical in his eyes. Did the man ask for Alicia’s hand tonight?” Edwina waited for the response. Her face did not mirror the turmoil that she was feeling inside. She looked disinterested, almost.

“John did ask the question and I was attempting to find out how much he cared for her, when you made your announcement.” The Count watched the stoic expression on the face now turned towards him and a wry smile passed the lips of the Knight.

“I would warrant, he does not love her?” Edwina spoke softly, her eyes cold imagining the audacity of the nobleman who would want to marry for less than love.

“I said so earlier in front of all your guests and made it known my intentions.” Edwina looked affronted at the suggestion that her words held less than the truth.

Count Lascelles held up a hand to halt any further angry words that might spill from the Knight. “Tonight you must do what you feel is just, for tomorrow Black Knight otherwise known as Edwin…a D’Argent Lion you will be allowed to proclaim your betrothal to Alicia Lascelles with my blessing.” With that the Count turned and headed out of the stable doors.

Edwin stared at the departing back of her love’s father and swallowed several times. “Sir, you know?” the voice whispered in awe.

Lascelles turned and smiled warmly at the Knight. “I suspected earlier this evening, but my daughter in her panic not to loose you mentioned it in passing. Alicia loves you Edwina. I cannot intervene. I do hope that you will honour all that she is, and what she may yet become in the future. I will tell her that you will be back?”

Edwina smiled warmly at the old Count and he returned the smile. “Only death will prevent that Sir. And death is not on my agenda tonight.”

“Excellent. When you are through with the rascals, please feel free to come tell me the outcome.” The Count turned away and again walked towards the main Castle, followed by the Black Knight and the powerful steed Raven.

“I suggest you fortify the walls tonight Sir, as a precaution only.” The Black Knight retorted sternly, as he mounted the steed that had knelt to allow his armoured mistress to do so easily.

“Oh Sir, I intend to and please make this a quick battle should there be one. I have a rather upset daughter, who is very strong willed and will no doubt want to be with you on the battle field should I allow it.” Chuckling the old Count made his way towards the Castle entrance calling the master of the guard in his wake.

The Black Knight turned her eyes towards the Castle, as she was certain that her soul could see Alicia. Without thought to anyone observing the action she placed her black gauntlet hand to her heart and then placed it towards the Castle window that she was sure Alicia was behind. The darkness of the night making it impossible to see anything distinctly. ‘Worry not my love. I will be back for you. There is not a knight in this realm or any other that could possibly prevent it.’ Edwina thought as she nudged Raven forward and they galloped out of the sturdy gates towards the foes of the dark.

Alicia had watched with a frantically beating heart as her father followed the Black Knight. She waited at her vantage point at the south window hoping to see them stride forward together back towards the castle. Alas, that was not to be. Her father had exited the stables first walking alone towards the Castle. Edwina walked out of the stables with her steed Raven. She had changed into her Black armour and Raven was kneeling for her to mount and ride to god knows where! Alicia watched further as her father and Edwina exchanged further words and her father started back towards the main castle shouting for the master of the guards. ‘Oh god! Was h