“Look there, my boy!” Sir Thomas pointed toward the castle. On the balcony, stood the king with his specter held high. “With the king behind you, you will win. He can keep their tricks from touching you. Remember the lessons you’ve learned.”

With that, Sir Thomas wheeled his horse and galloped toward the left flank. Daniel clutched his sword tighter and licked his dry lips. This was his first major battle. He had fought in skirmishes while in the Knight Academy, but never against a large army. His company advanced toward the thin line spread across the front. A wave of enemy soldiers came toward them. 

 A volley of arrows fell among them. Daniel dodged them. He slowed his pace as the line around him thinned. “There is no standing still in battle, my boy,” the words of his teacher echoed through his brain. He glanced behind him. The king stood tall. No retreating today. Daniel turned and with purpose started advancing toward the enemy. His steps started to quicken. He is eyes glued to the enemy. The enemy had halted forming a formidable line across the battlefield. A strong fellow elbowed his way to the front of the enemy ranks.

“Let me handle him,” he said with a sly smile. “We are old friends.”

“Friends,” Daniel thought, “I’m not sure you were ever a true friend.” 

Moi confidently pulled out his sword. “I’ve got you, you know,” he shouted. “I always could beat you back on the village green.”

Daniel did not answer. He charged Moi. Their swords clashed, the blades glittering in the sun. Moi parried and Daniel blocked. Moi swung around to bring his sword down, Daniel stood firm and blocked the blade. He pushed it away and lunged forward. Moi sprung back. He took a big swing, Daniel ducked and slashed Moi’s leg. Moi stumbled back but then rushed in to attack again. Daniel blocked. Back and forth they went, in and out. Attack. Block. Attack. Slowly, Daniel started getting the upper hand. Sweat dripped down his brow. He blocked a blow from Moi and twisted his sword around the blade. Moi’s sword came flying out of his hand. As Daniel lunged toward him, Moi turned and ran. Daniel pursued as the enemy broke rank and fled. A detachment of cavalry galloped past him, chasing them. 

“Good work,” Capt. Spencer said, pulling up alongside Daniel. “The king wishes you to come to the palace.”

Daniel saluted. He walked up to the palace. The sun was setting as he entered the throne room. He glanced at it out of the window and saw the last of the enemy fleeing into the distance. 

“Your majesty,” Capt. Spencer said bowing to the king. “This is the young man you saw fighting so bravely.”

Daniel bowed low.

“What is your name,” the king asked him.

“Daniel, your majesty,” he replied.

“Well, Daniel,” the king said. “I observed your fight. You charged a whole company of the enemy single-handedly. Some would say that was foolhardy.”

“But I was not single-handed,” Daniel replied, looking up at the king. “You were behind me and thus I could not lose.”

The king smiled. “Few soldiers realize that. You proved yourself worthy. Kneel.”

Daniel knelt.

“Do you Daniel, swear to serve and protect this kingdom as long as you live?”

“I do,” Daniel said, his eyes shining.

“I proclaim you, Sir Daniel.” The king touched his right and left shoulder with the blade of his sword. “May you always fight as bravely as you did today.”

Daniel stood up and straightened his shoulders. He would do that.