"I wonder what the old man wants", I pondered. Yes indeed I knew the King well having been in his personal Guard. No small honor either. Still the message was odd. It was in the kings own hand. All it said was, "Come I need you for a mission of the utmost importance! Tell no one you are coming to Corestan. This is an emergency! signed King Armand." I drank my ale and finished the tankard burping loudly setting off another round of laughter amoung my men.The men of Spring Valley were a rough hardy lot. Some were ex-prisoners and some ex-officers. This was new lands for the Kingdom of Encartia. King Armand had asked me to take charge of the New Fort built on the beach where the Spring River flowed into the Bitter Sea. It was almost summer and the warm sun was melting the last of the ice from the lower mountains. Most of the year the lands were covered with snow even the beach at Spring River Tavern. I wondered which way I should travel to Corestan. I could take the sloop anchored in the harbor, but that would certainly give away my plan of secrecy. I knew Telmar could handle the men all right. Still I felt uneasy, like going into battle not knowing whether you will live or die. "Yo Captain we gonna sit here all day and drink?" Gothar burped in responce. Followed by more laughter. My men were in a good mood. "No Goth, there is plaety to do at the Fort your excused if you wish!" I teased. Gothar frowned then grinned as he saw I was not serious. "To the Best Capt'n in the North!" Gothar slured his words raising this tarkard. "Aye!!!" shouted the men. I raised my tankard in respect to the toast. We had come along way. After three years of fighting the cold and the snow our Fort was nearly done. During the 4 months of good weather we worked almost around the clock. Resting in shifts and cutting wood trees and hauling them to the crude saw mill where we cut them into planks and boards. Telmar could finish the work now,and had to leave my men and head to Corestan and the destiny that awaited me there. Saying goodbye had been difficult, but necessary. I held by pack and placed it on my jurst Warglo War was a young stallion and full of tricks. He was smart for a jurst. I had caught him last season and proceeded to break him. I had tamed him first so when I got on his back he did not try to buck me off. Least til he got tired of me there. I had used bags of sand on his back to get him used to the weight. So when I climbed up he did not move. Most jursts were broken in the rough way by riding them between two other that were tamed. These Northen jursts were wild and had never seen men before. War had been head of a large pack of jursts. I had found him injured and caught in an ice fissure on one of the many ice packs that never melt. I dug him out and fed him. Still limping he followed me to the raft. Then down river we went to the Spring River Fort. I recall the surprise as Warglo followed me into the Fort and stood there. My men rushed over to see the great stallion. War showed no fear of men at all. I think he reads my mind at times. War neighed in acknowledgement as I entered the stable area. He knew we were headed out and he was ready. I turned and waved to my men and Telmar who was now in charge. I had told the men nothing of my journey nor Tel. All thought I was headed to negociate with the Nomes further South for some mining rights upon their lands. I would of course send word that I had been called to duty elsewhere in the kingdom once I arrived at Corestan. It had been many years since I had seen the Captial. It would be good to see many old friends again. As I headed South toward Norwood I though of my years as a squire and then a knight. How I had been named after the great leader of the City of 1000 Lights. Perhaps that was because I was a strapping lad large for my years. At 16 I could lift 300 stones which was more than any man could in my village of Talbertville. It was said Lord Zoron could lift 800 stones. A stone was about as much weight as in a 3" ball of iron. I was proud of my strength. In battle I could nearly cleave a man in half. I stood some 6 feet and 4 inches tall. I was tall for an Encartian. Most of the boys and men were under 6 feet. When I told my father who was Village Marshall I was joining the Army of King Armand he was very proud. I rode to Corestan to enlist as a Lancer or mounted spearman. While I was there one of the nobles saw me and asked if I would like to be his squire. Of course I said yes and well in time I had my opportunity to enter the Academy of Swords and Armor. I spent the next year learning all I could about the art of fighting and war. One day a man came to the Academy and asked who amoung us was the best swordsman. All pointed to me. The man then approached me and said he wanted to see if I was as good as they said. I took my blade and stood ready. These were not foils or epee's. Fighting in Battle was very different than dueling with a thin rapier or salamonga. Court Nobles often fought duels of "honor", but today this man who had Noble bearing was dressed in Gold Coranite Armor. I knew it had to be a soldier from the King. None but the most wealthy and Noble wore Gold Coranite. I had only my fathers steel sword and armor from his days as a soldier. Captian Bell was headmaster of the Academy then. He officated over all fights in his school. I stood ready. The man approached me with his sword. "Begin" he spoke with authority. His face was covered by his gold helm so no one knew his idenity. Still that voice was familiar. He lunged forward thrusting his broad sword at my neck, but I easily parried the blade away and reposed with a cut to his midsection. One point for me. Next he went low, but I was his move and again parried the blade and counter attacked him with a cut to his left arm. Two points for me. I was feeling very confident. Now we really got into it. He came at me in furry his blade swinging at my mid section. I parried the blow, but he swung he blade around and caught me in the back and none to gently as I recall. One point for him. I now recovered from the blow and attacked his right arm, but my thrust was wide and he caught me under my Brest Plate with his counter thrust. Two points for him. The next point would determine the winner. I was not going to let him beat me. He came at me fakinf a thrust but swung his blade left I moved into his swing and grabed his arm and threw him off balance. I saw him fall my blade thrust into his back as he fell. Three points I won. Then to the astonishment of the whole Academy he removed his helmet. He was Armand himself. I nearly droped my blade in shock. As we all stood there mouths open the King said, "Send him to my court when he is washed and presentable." Armand spoke. "Yes my Lord King." replied Captain Bell. I saw Armand give Captain Bell a large sack of gold. Then he slauted me and departed. Needless to say Captain Bell was delighted and handed me the sack. I was still in shock as I bought the richly woven tablard and chain mail with leather underneath. My friend Stillwell had come with me. He was the son of a noble and we had become good friends. He helped me dress and then looking me over spoke in his quite voice. "There is something missing?" he grinned. "I was saving this for your graduation next week but..... well I shall give it to you now." He went to his box at the foot of his bed and pulled forth a leather covered package. He then handed me the whole thing with a big grin saying,"Well open it!" I took the package and unwrapped it. I was again stunned. Inside was a Black Coranite Long Sword. It must have cost old Still a huge sum of gold. I tried to object, but Still would have none of it. "Your the best amoung us. Just don't use it against me." he quipped. I laughed and then he did too. I went to the Castle of Corestan looking like a Prince. The guards at the Gate smiled and let me pass. A young courtieer was waiting for me at the steps and said, "Oh you must be young Zoron!" he smiled quickly. I nodded and then he replied, "Follow me." The Courtroom was grand and full of gold tapestries and riches beyond wonder. Paintings were on the walls depicting battles and fights of long ago. One showed King Talbert in victory over the Dwarves in the last battle before peace was declaired in the Kingdom. King Doland was glad to end the long war between Encartians and Dwarven. I was ushered before the King. I bowed low and King Armen spoke, "Apporach me lad. You fight well. Your teacher taught you correctly. None of his student are so brillant. Lads like you are well needed here in my guard. When you graduate next week I want you to come here and take your place in my private guard. What say you then?" he smiled. "I say Yes my Lord King!" finding the courage to speak. I was surrounded by beautiful women in wonderous dresses. Some so low cut I thought surely their breasts would fall out any minute. One of the ladies took my hand and said, "I am Lady Elizebeth, lady in waiting to her Highness Queen Gwendolain. You are certainly a handsome lad." she chided with a lovely smile. I was surrounded with Lords and Ladies congradulating me as the best student in the Academy of Swords and Armor. "My Lady I am your servant!" I replied with a bow. She curtsied in responce and bend low so I got a good look at her cleavage which was considerable. She smiled warmly and supper was called. She took my arm and I escourted her to table. We all drank wine from golden goblets and I ate my fill. After supper the King called all the Knight together and the women folk were excused. Armand entertained us with a few bloodly exploites of his father, King Talbert, and a few Broady Tales of lust and seduction when he was a boy. Many of these nobles were know only by reputation. Count North was amoung them. He was Lord of North. Infact he was a "king" in his own rights as he ran the Northern Part of the Kingdom. I as Captain of Knights was under his direct command. However, I had been granted a freehand in building the Fort and in the hiring of men. I had my school chum Lord Stillwell with me during the first year and some others in the second year. I had finished the third year alone only Telmar being my only close friend. As the evening wore on I noticed Lady Elizebeth eyeing me. She was talking to Astera the Kings daughter. Princess Asteria was a beauty to behold. She had the largest breasts of any Kingdom Lady I had ever seen. Her gown was so low cut that I could see some of her pink nippels as she curtsied to my bow. "Zoron this is Princess Astera!" spoke Elizebeth still smiling. Astera smiled and extended her hand which I kissed slowly bringing a slight blush to her cheeks. I grinned and we then all laughed. By the end of the evening I was getting a bit drunk as I recall. I had danced with both Princess Astera and Lady Elizebeth all night. When the King announced he was going to bed we all clapped and Armand disappeared. Seems the Queen was indesposed. I was looking for an excuse to leave and Elizebeth caught me. "So your not too comfortable at court are you?" she observed. "Yes your correct. I am a simple country boy not used to such splendor and grand." I responded. "I was told your father is a Knight and was Captain in the Kings Guard." she smiled. We sat on the balcony overlooking the Town of Corestan. "Yes he was and then he retired to be Marshall of Talbertville." I added. "That is a responsible position. Knights are nobles you know. You need not feel inferrior to those of us here in Corestan." she reminded me. "Yes I know that, but still I am a bit overwhelmed with all of this. My fathers house is nearly so grand. In fact it is hardly a quarter the size of this Castle." I returned. She smiled and took my hand in hers. "That is still large enough for a Lady to raise a family is it not?" her voice was pleasant and soft. She squeezed my hand. "Yes indeed my Lady." I replied feeling very warm. Suddenly a shooting star lit up the sky. "Oh look at that! she mused. I turned to look and as I turned back she kissed me. She was bent forward and I could see down her dress to the darker nippels that were taught and hard. That was the longest kiss in my youthful history. I seemed like it lasted forever. Next she took my hand and put it down her top. She was whispering all kinds of naughty things she could do to me. My male organ was fully aroused. I did not know what to do. Lady Elizebeth took me to her chambers and showed me what it was to be a man. I made love to her into wee hours of the morning. Next day and those that followed I was with Lady Elizebeth alot. I also spend a good amount of time with King Armand. His Daughter also taught me some of the finer points of love making. I of course did not refuse her. Once she and Lady Elizebeth both enjoyed me in the Royal pool. I guess you could say I was in love with lady Elizebeth. Liz as I called her was a wonderful girl. She too was seemingly in love with me. I had high position in Armands Royal Guard. There was every chance I would be made Earl or even Baron. Minor titles were often given to soldiers and those that guarded the King. When War broke out with the Tarkanians. I fought along side of the King. My job was to stop any enemy trying to get behind the King. I had no trouble in chopping down those that tried. I recall my first kill. He was a huge fellow with wild black hair and dark skin. He rushed at me swinging his curved blade, but I was ready for him. I easily parried his attack. He was an experienced fighter and his next attacks were more thoughtfully carried out, but it made no difference how he attacked I just waited for his mistake and thrust my coranite blade deep into his chest through his armor. He reacted in surprise as he died. I guess he had never seen a blade of coranite before. Many swords were dark metal as they did not show the presents of the enemy. I must have killed 20 or 30 men before the war was over. When I returned to Corestan Elizebeth greeted me warmly and secductively. Then she told me, "My Lord Zoron,I bear ill tidings. My father has promised me to Lord Tidewell. I don't know what to do." she cried and broke down weeping. "I love you Zoron." she cried. "Let us think." I responded quickly. My head raced with many thoughts. "We could runaway" I ventured knowing the dishonor it would bring my fathers house. "Oh I would gladly be yours." she spoke as she pressed her large breasts into my chest. "I have it." I spoke up. "I will go to the King and ask for a boon. Surely he will not refuse me." I said. I did go before King Armand and he took me into his "Green Room" of silence. "Young Zoron you have proven yourself an able fighter and a good friend. If it were in my power to grant you the Lady Elizebeth I would. You see Lord Tidewell is a powerful Southern Lord and I needed his support during the War with Tarkania. He does have first call on any Lady of my Court. If I were to refuse him he might begin to work against me. I can't afford the trouble now with all of the problem I have. Count North has spoken of treason in the Kingdom. Until these matters are put aside I can't give her to you. However you might approach her father. He is not a unreasonable man. I know he wants his daughters happiness, and if she is forced to marry when she is not in love then well..... I think he would not allow it to go forward." Armand concluded. What could I say. I had no argument to reply. This was my king. Sadly I returned to Liz and told her what the King had said. She cried an hour in my arms. Then she dried her tears. In her eyes was a look of anger. I have only seen this look in the eyes of men I fought against never in a woman. "I know!" she said. "I Know what I shall do." Liz responded resolutely. "Let me talk to your father before you do anything." I spoke with fear in my voice. I was not sure of what she would do. I knew her choices were limited. "I will wait my love til I hear from you." she hugged me tight and then sped away. My conversation with Lord Abernathy did little good. He like Armand felt that the saftey of the Kingdom was the wiser choice even if his daughter was unhappy. I told him this was not acceptable. That I would challenge Lord Tidewell to a duel and if I won she was mine. Lord Abernathy was not pleased with my idea. Before I could leave his compound he set 4 of his men on me and I was imprisoned until after the marriage cermony. I even told him that I had take his daughter on many occasions. This did nothing to change his mind. I was furious. The chains in the wall held me fast. I had a small nail in my pocket. I don't know why it was there; not do I remember how it got there. I used it to remove the mortar around the rings. After two days I gave the chains a mighty yank and the whole iron plate and brick came free. I next broke the bars of the door with the chains. A guard heard the comotion and rushed to see what was the matter. I opened the door and beaned him with a part of the wooden door. He went down cold knocked out. I ran up stairs. The Castle was almost empty. I found a good suit of armor and my sword. I next took ome of Lord Abernathy's best jursts. I rode out of the Castle with arrows ziging pased my head. The wedding was to take place in Corestan. I rode non-stop and prayed to Dala I was not too late. I arrived in two more days the jurst was windbroken. I was a mess and mad as hell. Where was everyone? I saw no marriage train. All was quiet in the Kings Castle. I was puzzled and confused. What had happened? I rushed to the Throne room. Armand was seated surrounded by his usual attendents. "Where have you been? My Gods you need a bath!" Armand exclaimed. " Where is Elizebeth?" I croaked. "You did not know then!" Armand looked away out the window. He walked to me. I looked him in the eyes. "She pleadged herself to Dala. It is done." he replied. I fell into the stone floor Armand catching me in his arms. I weapted. He consold me. "She loves you greatly to make such a sacrifice. I am sorry my son, but well when you did not return she took the rights of Preistess. Then Lord Tidewell could not have her, but then neighter can you." he tried to explain. I just nodded and turned away. I went to to Temple on the hill over looking the Castle and the River. I was permitted a few minutes with her. Her head was shaved and she wore robes of white and blue. She was a novice and would remain so for three years. After that time she could stay or leave the service of Dala. "My love I did not see you so I had no choice." Liz tried to explain. I kissed her hard on the lips. "Yes I understand. Your father imprisoned me. I could not get back to see you. Did he tell you?" I asked. "Yes." she responded softly. "Oh God how I want you." she whinned. "I know, but all is not lost. I have been ordered to Spring Valley and to build a Fort there. If I am successful I will return. Three years is not forever my love." I told her. "Yes that is true." she nodded thoughtfully. "I will wait." I spured Warglo onward. My thought returned to Liz. How lovely she had looked in white even with no hair. Her duties as Preistess would not be light. Still she was now only 19. I was still only 25.