From the editor - departmental news and updates - announcements - Minako, a haiku - a journey within and without - A Knighting ceremony - a dark gathering - Dragon's eyes - Praise of Quebec

    The night was clear, the stars twinkled brightly, and the moon hung high in the black sky. It was an ordinary night like any other of the past, the cold breeze left any ordinary man shivering in the cold. However, from a distance, a group of men and women walked briskly across the streets toward a large house. I approached with care as to not disturb the gathering, a ceremony of sorts I gathered. Through the clear glass windows on the western side, the group had already gathered in the grand hall.
    The hall was unusually empty. It seems as though it has only been built recently. The few polishings present shined brightly under the large orbs of lights illuminating the room. They must be magical in origin, for no ordinary lights would float above the ground without support. Although the hall appears to be quite bleak, a long couch sits at side of the grand hall, a welcoming rest for one's tired feet. Resting on the couch is what appears to be a young man of full armor. It is strange to see such men in this area for there have been no major wars nor battles recently. A slender figure is leaning against the wall. It appears to be a woman with electric blue hair, not less stranger than the man in the full suit of armor. Standing infront of a large round table appears to be a man, yet no distinguishing figures can be seen for his cloak covers most of his entire body. However, a sudden draft betrays the glint of armor beneath a blonde youth's cloak. He must be one of them as well and it looks as though he is master of this hall. By the large wooden front doors, two more men are present although neither appears to be guards. One stands tall with his hand on a large sword, while another smiles with a nervous delight.

 'If we are ready, shall we begin?' says the blonde man as he looks over to the couch and the side wall.

 No objections came from either end, and this I assume, is the signal for the ceremony to begin.

 The cloaked youth says, 'Very well then. Lady Flower and Sir Brendan, if ye'll stand to either side of me.'

 A new age girl smiles warmly at both West and Ramikon before stepping across the floor to Ganymede's side and standing quietly at his left.
 The purpose of this gathering is clear now and I wondered if I should leave before I am found. Yet how can I miss such an event for few had ever witnessed a Knighting ceremony in progress.

 Sir Ganymede smiles at a new age girl. Sir Brendan concurs by stepping to the right side of Sir Ganymede, then turns to face Ramikon and West. Without another word, it begins.

 Sir Ganymede says, 'Knights of Legend, we have assembled in this humble place to grant upon those present, being Ramikon and West, that which they have expressed a desire for---Knighthood alongside us'

 'West has proven himself,' proclaimed Sir Ganymede, 'through completion of a quest of Ritterum and of a term of squirehood under Lady Flower, of good character and unshakeable honor'

 Sir Ganymede declared, 'Ramikon has also proven himself, through completion of the same quest and of a term of squirehood under Sir Tempus, of those same virtues'

 Sir Ganymede says, 'Therefore it is my request of them both to be admitted into our ranks. West and Ramikon, do ye both pledge to obey and live by the Code of Knights without exception and at all times?'

 Without hesitation, the proud young man whom they've called Ramikon exclaimed, 'Aye!'

 A moment later, West says, 'To the Gods I swear, I pledge my loyalty to the Knights without doubt without exception, for all times.'

 Sir Ganymede says, 'Do ye both pledge to honor, respect and aid when necessary the innocent and good denizens of Legend, when the opportunity is present?'

 Ramikon says to Sir Ganymede, 'If it means my death, I would gladly do so, Sir.'

 West says, 'I pledge to honor, respect and aid the denizens of Legend.'

 A jubilant smile came across the blue haired lady indicting her
approval and joy in the event. The ceremony continues without pause.

 Sir Ganymede says, 'then by the recommendations of Lady Flower and Sir Tempus, who is absent this evening, I ask ye both to kneel before me and accept what the Knights now collectively and happily bestow'

 West kneels down before Sir Ganymede.

 Ramikon kneels with pride before Sir Ganymede.

 Sir Ganymede unsheathes his silvery blade with a flash of brilliance as the moonlight filtering in through the window is reflected in it. He extends it forward and taps first West once on each shoulder, and then Ramikon.

 Sir Ganymede says, 'now even as ye both sank to the ground ordinary men, arise Knights of Legend!'

 The two men stands up with an inexplicable gleam of joy in their eyes. There is much rejoicing as each of the Knights cheered each other on. Lady Flower raced across to embrace the new Knights, the smile on her face does not begin to describe her joy. Her squire now stands among the ranks as an equal and to fight amongst the Knights. The celebrations continued as the night carried on. Quickly I realized that I must pen the events of tonight before my memory fails me and it is lost forever. So I gathered myself and hurried home, and to you I humbly submit my writings for your reading. For your pleasure or for your curiosity, I hope this has been interesting and informative.

-A silent observer