2 Eques Lux

"Your Highness. I, Mordrèd, Knight of Light, submit to the Princess of Atleana."

The Princess narrowed her eyes a bit and tried to step away from her Knight only to be forced into his protection once again. Her eyes showed her surprise as she looked up at her Knight while the Knight narrowed his eyes in suspicion, for no one knew the identity of the little Princess.

"State your business here?", the young Knight commanded. Mordrèd furrowed his eyes in confusion as he raised his head to see the stance of the soldier. Mistaking him for an enemy he swiftly picked up his sword and slashed it through the midnight air towards the soldier only to hear the clash of swords. His eyes widened at the strength of his enemy while the young Knight's face grew serious. He had taken an oath to never let harm find its way to the little Lady. To be her shield and he would die before this shield even had a single fracture.

The next attack was sought by the young Knight. The night sky rang with the flashes of swords until the princess who watched in fear for her companion stepped in between the swords. The projectile of the Knight of Light was too swift to be dodged or parried. Noticing the change in format and situation the young Knight used the night breeze to drift towards the little Lady and held her as his glaive thwarted the attack. Mordrèd' eyes widened as he realised what could have happened. With panting breath he took a step back, lowering his sword, ashamed. For he could have harmed the one person he had sworn to protect.

"I beg your forgiveness, Your Highness.", Mordrèd said.

"Young Knight. Please do not ask forgiveness. For this it is your duty to protect. Let me introduce you to my friend and companion. This is the Knight of Darkness.", she said as she looked at her childhood friend and guide.

With a pale face Mordrèd took a step back. For everyone had heard of the monster lying dormant within the young Knight. Tales of an untamed darkness lurked within the young lad. What surprised him even more was the curt bow the Knight gave him. Mordrèd returned the bow warily. Eyes not leaving the other the young Knight came to the realisation that the Mordrèd would be part of the long forgotten prophecy. A sad smile came to his lips. Eyes dimmed, he knew his future would depend on his silence and his trust towards his princess.

"Eques Noctis"

Snapping out of his thoughts the young Knight looked at the Princess. "Is something wrong?", she asked innocently.

"Apologies Princess. Just lost in thought"

"Well, it's not exactly a place to lose one's mind, right?", she giggled

The young Knight let out a chuckle. The interaction surprised Mordrèd. He had never thought that the Eques Noctis would ever let out such a casual chuckle.

The small altercation made both the young Knight and the Princess forget the rise of the sun. The moment did not last long but long enough for panic to strike, for they had not discussed the Princess' safety for the dawn. Discerning the situation Mordrèd gently pulled the Princess by her wrist towards him while silently promising the Knight of her safety through his eyes.

Not knowing how to react, the young Knight decided to put his trust into the Eques Lux. Slightly nodded and closed his eyes. The next moment he opened his eyes the young Knight was back in the old attic he called home. Away from his Princess. Back in Wisconsin.