First Sight

***two weeks prior***

Ethyn wasn't sure what to expect when he entered Burke on the back of his horse Courage. Things were about to change and he could feel it. Broaching the edge of the bustling city was only the beginning.

During his training as a knight, the green-eyed man had been to the capital a few times with Sir Cyneheard. He had even been up to the palace once, but had not gone past the keep.

The streets of the city were wide, and the people eyed him, clad in his full armor, with great interest. His helmet shielded most of his face, only making him more mysterious to the citizens of Birle that saw him pass.

His green eyes stared curiously through the slit in his visor at the sites of the town.

"Be kind, but keep your head facing forward," Sir Cyneheard advised from beside him. "You don't want someone to think your eyes are wandering. No need to ruin a reputation you have not yet earned."

Ethyn realized he had been gawking and quickly snapped his head in line with his horse. "Sorry, Sir. I will try to remember all you have taught me."

Cyneheard chuckled softly. "No chance of that. Even I cannot remember all the lessons! Just keep your head—and your tongue—in check and you should be fine. The king is a very forgiving man, but try not to give him a reason to need to forgive you, alright?"

"Yes, Sir. I shall do my best to make you proud." Ethyn placed his gloved hand against his breastplate to show his sincerity. "I want to make all of you proud."

"Those people in Rynnlee are already proud of you, you know. I mean you get more letters than I do! Quite a feat considering how charming and social I am." Cyneheard was only half-joking.

The gentleman was on the slightly older side of the knights in the kingdom, but he was very popular both for his daring deeds and his chivalry. He had no shortage of communications to answer.

Ahead the castle lay at the far end of the thoroughfare, its mighty grey towers reaching toward the sky with angular precision. The rest of the palace was hidden by the formidable outer curtain wall which stood just as proud as the towers it shielded.

Ethyn wondered how many enemies the stone barrier had repelled over the years. He had no desire to try to breach the thick battlements. Not that he would need to. For him, the gates would be thrown wide.

Soon enough, the common houses gave way for the more wealthy dwellings, and at last, all the homes ceased all together for the green space between Burke and King Rhodri's palace.

'Here we go!' Ethyn sat up straight in his saddle, trying to look the part of someone about to be knighted. He wanted to look noble!

"Relax a little," Cyneheard warned him. "You look like a stick was placed uncomfortably up your rear."

Cutting his eyes toward his sponsor, Ethyn held in his grunt. The older man meant no harm even if he was a tad blunt. Fortunately, with the helmet in place, no one was able to see the frustrated scowl as the green-eyed man tried to look more natural.

At the gate, a guard blocked their path. "Name and business at the palace, please, Sir." Seeing the crest on the older man's armor, the soldier was exceptionally polite.

The annual knighting ceremony was a huge event, easily the event of the season. This year eight intrepid young men had passed all the tests and would be welcomed into the company of valiant warriors.

"It is I, Sir Cyneheard, bringing forth my squire, Ethyn of Samberg for the knighting ceremony hosted by our beloved King Rhodri." The elder knight announced formally.

He presented his arm, where the crest of his family was on full display. The guard examined the crest and excused himself for a moment. When he returned, a servant was with him.

"Welcome, honored guests of His Majesty. Please follow me to Gilroy, the castle's steward. He will see that you have proper accommodations during your stay." The servant bowed deeply, unwilling to make eye contact for fear of causing an offense.

"Lead the way," Cyneheard agreed as he motioned gracefully with his gloved hand.

The two men rode in on their horses along with the small retinue that Cyneheard had brought from his household.

They were led to the stables where the weary band was able to dismount and hand off their horses and luggage to waiting attendants.

Cyneheard's servants joined those from the palace to make sure things were in order while a stout bald man exited from keep and came across the lawn toward them.

The steward, Gilroy, dipped his head to the two gentlemen. "Sir Cyneheard, Honorable Samberg. On behalf of His Majesty, welcome! I would like to extend an invitation to dinner this evening and discuss a few details about your room preferences."

Cyneheard could see that the conversation was not going to be a quick one. He turned to Ethyn. "I will speak to the steward. Why don't you wonder around the grounds and stretch your legs. I will find you when it is time to go inside. The palace gardens are some of the loveliest you will ever find."

"Perhaps the young man would like to check out the small bazaar going on today on the northwest lawn. The shopkeepers and traveling merchants have all brought their finest wares for the nobility to peruse. Perhaps you could find a trinket for yourself or a gift for a special someone?" Gilroy raised his eyebrows up and down.

Not wanting to seem uncultured, Ethyn nodded. "Yes, thank you. I will see what I can find."

Bowing slightly, the young man dismissed himself and left the older men to get down to business. Wandering out of the stables, Ethyn used the position of the sun to locate the bazaar about which he had been informed.

Sure enough, he found a large crowd of people under temporary canopies gathering around tables which contained all manner of wares for the gentlefolk of Birle to purchase.

Many noble women and some men who had gathered for the week's events were milling about and shopping for enjoyment. Ethyn felt out of his depth.

However, it would look bad on him to back away when he had been clearly spotted, so the green-eyed man swallowed and joined the bazaar with the rest.

Unlike a traditional market, where the shopkeepers called out and beckoned customers to them, these salesmen were much more subdued, using slight of hand or a click of the tongue to catch attention.

There were plenty of shiny things to look through. 'Maybe I should get something to say thank you to Sir Cynheard.'

Ethyn picked up a brass knob that was shaped like an eagle. It would be perfect for the top of a fancy cane, but no such cane was attached.

"Can I help you find something, good sir?" The merchant asked with a gentle smile.

"I need something for an older gentleman that would make a good thank you gift." Ethyn was relieved when the woman nodded. "One moment please." She turned to look through a trunk beside her.

While he waited, Ethyn surveyed the crowd. The noblemen and women were all dressed in their regal finery. It made sense that they wanted to give their best impression while at the palace.

The green-eyed man looked at his armor. It was respectable but not ornate. He stuck out among the other clientele, like a pauper among princes.

'I'm not here to look like a peacock,' he reminded himself. It was something Silver had said when someone commented on his wardrobe. Ethyn himself had only seen peacocks in a drawing once, but he didn't think he wanted to look like one either.

The redhead looked down at the brass eagle in his hand. Its proportions made it appear like it would be larger than a house if it came to life and grew to full size. It was impressive craftsmanship.

'I might just get this for Silver. He would appreciate the skill.'

Lost in his musings, Ethyn did not notice the subtle shift in the air. When glanced up, and the people in the small courtyard seemed to part like they had been slice with a butter knife.

Beyond them stood the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.

'An angel!'