“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.