The city of Rone was in a state of panic. The townspeople were racing around in terror, grabbing their children and anything else they could get their hands on. Overhead, the sky was filled with thick, dark clouds. Balls of fire were darting through the sky and crashing down into houses and onto the streets. Several building were already on fire.
“The city is under attack,” the Golden Knight said.
“By who?” Franco exclaimed.
The pounding of footsteps continued to shake the ground. Suddenly, the rain of fire balls stopped.
“Perhaps now we shall see,” Demetrius quipped.
Flar lowered his hand. Murlox sat on his horse beside him. The fire army had brought forward fifteen catapults and were busy loading them with the flaming stones.
“Give them my warning,” Flar commanded.
Murlox nudged his horse forward. He opened a scroll.
“People of Rone,” he called out. “The Lord Flar commands you to surrender this city and turn over to him, Princess Rainna of the House of Devon and the archangel called Marsonee and all those who have accompanied them. If you do so at once, your lives will be spared. However, as tribute for your disobedience, this city is to be destroyed. Your homes and crops will be taken. You will be sentenced, as a symbol of Lord Flar’s mercy, to a life of wandering and want.”
“I am missing the advantage of trading us in,” Franco commented.
“Enough of this banter,” Marsonee said. His wings began flapping. Marsonee darted up into the skies.
“Look,” Murlox pointed.
“You know what you need to do, Sorcerer,” Flar remarked. “I will deal with our friend, the Archangel.”
Flar dismounted his horse. He threw his long red cape to the ground. Suddenly, two large, black pointed wings extended out from his back. With a powerful gust, Flar launched himself into the sky.
Murlox guided his horse over to the fire soldiers who were standing ready at the catapults.
“You may continue a limited bombardment of the city,” he said. “Do not strike the cathedral and do not move your troops forward until I have given the word.”
The fire solder captain nodded his head in agreement. Murlox turned his horse and galloped off in the direction of the city. The catapults opened fire.
“So the sightings have been true,” Flar remarked, his mighty, black wings flapping in the sky. “You should never have crossed over into my realm, Marsonee.”
“This world is not your realm,” Marsonee replied. “Your place is one of fire and darkness.”
Fire balls darted past them.
“I rule here now, Archangel,” Flar chuckled. “The people no longer look to the skies for their salvation.”
“You were once one of us.”
“I was never a slave to your King.”
“Your lust for power has made you a slave,” Marsonee said. “There is a new order now, led by a younger generation.”
Flar roared with laughter. He drew his sword. Flames engulfed the blade. Marsonee drew his sword.
“A new order?” Flar growled. “I am the new order!”
Flar surged forward and locked blades with Marsonee. Fire and flashes of light came off the swords as the blades slammed together.
The Golden Knight, Franco, and Demetrius made their way across the town square, dodging frantic townspeople as they went. The fire balls began crashing around them.
“Let us climb the north wall so we can get a better look,” the Golden Knight said.
Once on the ruins of the castle wall, they could see Flar’s entire army before them.
“How are you two going to fight all that?” Franco gasped.
“There is a way,” the Golden Knight replied. “We must find it.”
“I will rally the people to defend their homes,” Demetrius said as he began to climb down from the wall.
“These people,” Franco called out. “They are like a herd of scared sheep.”
Demetrius reached into his robe and handed Franco his short sword.
“Be their shepherd,” the old priest said. He climbed down from the wall and disappeared into the crowd.
“That old man is crazy,” Franco remarked. “I do not even know why I am still here.”
Suddenly, a long dark shadow fell across them. There was a hideous roar. The Golden Knight and Franco turned. Through the fire and billowing smoke, they could make out the huge form of the Demon. It was climbing over the west wall and entering Rone.
“We have a big problem,” Franco said as they both looked up at the ugly monster.
Inside the cathedral, Rainna could hear the chaos outside. She worried for her friends and the innocent townspeople.
“Surely, there is something I can do,” she whispered aloud. Rainna knelt down with the Book and began to pray.
“How touching, princess,” the voice snarled behind her. “But prayer is forbidden in Flar’s realm.”
“Murlox,” Rainna said, rising to her feet.
“I knew that we would meet again here in Rone,” Murlox said. “Your parents were right. You have courage and faith. I was wrong to underestimate you.”
“You are too late, Sorcerer,” Rainna said. “The Golden Knight has returned. The Book cannot be destroyed.”
“It will take time for you and your friends to know your real power,” Murlox remarked. “Time to understand the prophecy that lies within the pages of the ancient Book. But, I will give you your first lesson in power and prophecy.”
Murlox tapped his staff on the ground. Without warning, Rainna was engulfed in smoke. She coughed and tried to cover her mouth. Feeling weak, Rainna wobbled, fell to one knee and collapsed to the ground. The Book rested beside her. She was asleep. Murlox knelt down beside her. He stroked her long, dark hair.
“All prophecies and power require a sacrifice,” Murlox said.
The King stood on the castle wall staring out at the Great Divide. Through the haze of the supernatural energy field, He could see the events taking place in Rone. The Prince approached.
“The battle for Rone has begun,” the Prince said. “What are the wishes of my King?”
“Find Beshtar the Archangel,” the King replied. “Tell him to ready our forces.”
To Be Continued...
The Adventure continues in The Golden Knight #3: Rainna Falls! Coming Soon!
About the Authors and Illustrator
It all started when a 12 year old boy asked his father a simple question: “Dad, can you help me write a story for these characters that I created?” A few months would pass before the world of the Golden Knight was born. Justin Clark is a student at Cass Middle School and a member of its Art Club. Justin loves anime and superheroes. He draws and creates many of his own characters. His father, Steven Clark, has written stories, songs, stage plays and poems since high school. He is a graduate of Kennesaw State University with a degree in history. The Clark family (Steven, Leslie, Justin, Jason and Brooke) live in Georgia.
Taylor Gibson is the illustrator for The Golden Knight #2: The Battle for Rone. He is experienced in graphic design and manga/anime style artwork. When not travelling to conventions promoting his artwork, Taylor lives in North Carolina with his family.
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