Return of the Dagger by Ed Dunlop

Author:Ed Dunlop
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: kingdom, battles, allegory, castles, princes, terrestria chronicles
Publisher: Ed Dunlop

“Have pity on us,” the father pleaded. “I was sick for several weeks and unable to take my harvest to market. We’ll pay you as we can.”

“And when will that be?” the landlord asked scornfully. “It’s too late for mercy, Jacob. The lad now belongs to us.”

Sir Ralson’s captive was attempting to appear brave but his eyes betrayed him, revealing the fear that he was experiencing. His mother let out a wail of despair. “Please, sire, we’re begging you! Return our son to us—he’s just a lad—and we will be sure to pay you all.”

Sir Ralson turned to the lad. “Mount up,” he said gruffly.

“Ralson, release the lad,” Sir Reginald ordered, striding forward.

“What?” Sir Ralson spun around. “Peasant, were you addressing me?” His tone was incredulous.

“I am Sir Reginald of Orwyn and I will pay you whatever this farmer owes you,” Reginald said curtly. “Release the lad.”

Sir Ralson hesitated for a moment and then abruptly drew his sword. “Stand clear, peasant. I know not who you are or what you seek, but you will not meddle in my affairs. I warn you, stand clear.”

In an instant Sir Reginald drew a broadsword from within his robe. “I am Reginald of Orwyn, constable of Barrington Castle and guardian of His Majesty, King Eristan. Sir, I assure you, you do not want to cross swords with me. As I already told you, I will pay the debt owed by this man. I say again, release the lad.”

Sword ready, Sir Ralson advanced slowly, warily. With a wild cry he abruptly leaped forward, swinging his sword in a vicious cut intended to take off Sir Reginald’s head. Reginald calmly deflected the blow. Swords clanged as the steward advanced on Reginald, cutting, slashing, and thrusting with a ferocity that amazed Eristan. Reginald gave way just a step or two and then stood his ground, calmly giving blow for blow as he deflected the attack.

Eristan watched from a safe distance and within seconds realized that his adopted father was apparently in no real danger. Reginald was simply countering Ralson’s assault, fighting in a defensive stance, but not pressing an offensive even when he had several opportunities to do so. After a few moments, the steward was panting with exertion, but Sir Reginald stood quietly, calmly parrying every move of his opponent’s blade.

“Don’t just stand there, Derrick!” the steward cried. “Do something!”

Roaring furiously, the Chadwick knight unsheathed his sword and charged into the fray. Eristan drew his own sword and rushed to Sir Reginald’s aid. In an instant he found himself face to face with Sir Ralson. “Insolent pup!” the steward raged, swinging his sword in a murderous horizontal cut. “Dare you stand against me?”

The long hours of training with Melzar paid off. In a flash, the young king leaped to one side, averting the blow, and then with both hands brought his sword down upon the steward’s sword arm. But for the chain mail, Sir Ralson would have lost an arm. As it was, the force of

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