Sir Kendrick and the Castle of Bel Lione by Chuck Black

time later to mourn the animal who had been his faithful companion on many missions.
    The right-hand guard stepped forward. “Lord Ra rules here, knave, and your blood on our swords will prove it!”
    Kendrick assumed the window swordsman stance, which heralded to his enemies that he was unshaken by their taunts. No fear disturbed his thoughts, for he had something great and powerful to draw upon. “Though my blood may spill, I am not afraid of you. I have the promise of the Prince. By His name and by His power you will be defeated, for the King reigns … and His Son!”
    At the mere mention of the Prince, the warriors winced, and their swords lowered slightly as though a portion of their strength left them. Then one of them yelled in defiance and advanced on Kendrick. He deflected the cut and countered quickly with his own, hoping to recover before the opposite warrior could execute an attack from behind. At the end of the maneuver he stepped quickly to the right, hoping to keep both warriors in view. How long could one man prevail against two non-Arrethtraen enemies?
    He heard another yell and readied for an attack from the other warrior, then realized the cry came from the woods behind them. Another massive figure, brandishing a silver sword, emerged from the shadows of the trees and engaged one of the Shadow Warriors. Surprise and relief washed over Kendrick, for his new and unidentified ally brought new hope to the fight.
    Kendrick focused on his foe as the sounds of intense and steady crashes of steel upon steel filled the night air. His opponent’s cuts were powerful, but Kendrick held his own and relied on his speed and agility to balance the fight. Not knowing who had joined him or what the other man’s skill level was, Kendrick assumed the worst and considered his ally’s appearance as merely a helpful distraction.
    Kendrick deflected a horizontal cut and parried a thrust. He then countered with an intense combination that put his opponent in retreat. He landed a slice on the warrior’s left arm, which brought a yell and a curse from the lips of the Shadow Warrior. Kendrick could tell that the wound was deep and was amazed at how little it seemed to affect the warrior.
    “Silent Warriors!” Kendrick heard the other warrior yell to the castle gate, but they were his last words. The blade of Kendrick’s mysterious friend found its mark, and the Shadow Warrior collapsed to the ground. Kendrick’s opponent began retreating toward the castle just as footsteps pounded on the drawbridge behind him.
    “We cannot let him tell the castle I was here,” Kendrick’s large ally said and moved to engage the first Shadow Warrior.
    Kendrick joined the fight and moved to one side to divert attention, but the Shadow Warrior seemed more concerned with the sword of Kendrick’s large friend. This allowed Kendrick the opportunity to execute a thrust that put the warrior down.
    “Follow me,” the large fellow said.
    Kendrick wasted no time as they plunged into the depths of the nearby forest, just ahead of Lord Ra’s guards. Kendrick had to work hard to stay up with the form ahead of him, who seemed to glide easily through the trees and brush despite his size. Kendrick’s mind filled with questions as he blindly followed this unusual ally. The loss of his steed also pressed back upon him, and he worried he would never find an equal.
    They ran for some time before the big man stopped and motioned Kendrick to silence. They waited and listened, then continued their flight on a wooded uphill path. Finally they stopped in a small clearing. Kendrick turned to fully face his mysterious ally for the first time.
    The man was as large as the guards at the castle bridge. His skin was black, and there was not a hair upon his head. His huge physique was a picture of sculpted athletic perfection, and his eyes glowed like burning coals. But though his size was daunting and his countenance fierce, Kendrick sensed he was someone to