Awaiting Knightfall

The Beginning

A week has passed. Celestine and my father set off for Sandling a week ago, leaving me to care for Longmoss alone. In all honesty? It was easy. I signed papers, I authorised crop transfers, I visited our people and then came home to eat. I'm not sure why my father finds it so difficult.
There wasn't much left to pack for the journey. My clothes had been packed, along with my favourite foods for the journey and I spent the last three days stood on a small plynth having a wedding dress made for me under my fathers request. It was a beautiful dress and probably the heaviest piece of cloth I've ever held. The dress was a gown, cinched at the waist with a beautiful handmade corset. The bodice, embroidered in paisley pattern with small glass beads, diamonds, pearls, twinkled every inch I moved. Each jewel resembling the stones from the Longmoss and Sandling terrains. Attached were the sleeves, ballooned with voile, cuffed at the wrist and draped past my fingers. The skirt was three times my size, puffed out underneath by layers and layers of thin chiffon, overlayed with voile to match the sleeves. The dress was ivory with hints of cream. I've never suited a garment like it. I loved it, but it was heavy with not only material, but the burden of marrying a man I hated.

I waltzed the library, searching for my favourite books I wished to keep in Sandling. My favourite fairytales and the books of young princesses read to me by my mother when I was young. Dancing the walls, I came across a few I couldn't dare leave. I scooped them under my arm and pivoted on my heel for the door when I was startled by a large figure. In my shock, I throw my books in the air and scream.
It was the man, the one from the corridor. I haven't seen him for a week. He stood before me, still suited in armour, towering down above me. Again I could not see his eyes, but I could feel his gaze.
"Apologies sir." I say to him, gently bowing my head. "Is there something I can help you with?"
He looks down to his hand, lifting his arm to hold out a small letter to me. Opening it, I walk over to the fire for light, and read.

"My darling daughter, I write to you before my journey to Sandling. Here, I write my instructions to you for your long trip to the South.
Sampson is the most noble protector of the Forest Guard, unseen by many but working hard daily for Longmoss. He was to remain in the walls while you collected the last of your belongings, and he will go with you to the South.
You are now of great value, and he will protect every hair on your head. He has been to the South before and knows the path well. You will go with him, along with a handful of your remaining maids and another knight to assist camp.
He is kind, and strong, and will help you in any way you see fit. Sampson however has a vow of silence. He does not speak. He takes instruction and guidance but will do best to provide his service to the best of his ability.
I wish to you see you in Sandling soon. Father."

I look over at the man watching me as I drop the letter into the fire. He bows his head and looks away from me. Shame or guilt? I stride to him, slight anger and anxiousness in my walk.
"You do not speak?" I say, hushed but loud enough that he hears. His head lifts and looks to me again, a small nod from him confirms the statement. "Can you read, Sir?"
He nods again.
"Choose a book, it's a long journey and I trust my presence will bore you. It may preserve your sanity for a short while."
He bows his head at me again, polite in his mannerisms. I bow in return and pass him, out of the wooden door of the library. Before I leave however, I turn to the man and watch him select a book. Out of curiosity or instruction, I remain unsure, but he reads.

I secure my belongings in the large hamper in my room, the last of the pieces of my life. I fasten the belts over the hamper and place my hand on the lid. I place my forehead on the back of my hand and give a small sigh, closing my eyes and giving myself a second to collect my thoughts. I lift my head, tap the hamper and stand. The door knocks, and I know my future begins as soon as it opens. An unknown knight enters, bowing to me and collecting the hamper in my room and informing me that the group is ready to leave. I thank him and he leaves, leaving the door to my room open for me.
I walk to the door, turn to my room and sigh to myself. Not allowing my thoughts to cloud, I turn and close the door behind me. I will not dwell and grieve my old life. I make my way to the court below my window, through the corridors of the walls. The court is wide and quiet, filled with the people of Longmoss watching me. My horse awaits, Suede. He stands with pride, blankets over his back and my Mother's brown leather saddle, with burgundy leather buckles. He looks beautiful, my Mother would've loved him.
Sampson, who is already stood beside Suede, holds the reins. I glide towards him as he holds out his hand to me, taking it and mounting up onto my horse. Sampson rounds the front of him towards the horse of his own, a huge all black Shire with a shaggy wavey main and tail. The saddle is also black, but is shinier than mine.

The gates of Longmoss creek before us as they open, and I look to Sampson who remains still. I give my horse a small tap with my leg and he begins forward, Sampson then following behind me. The people in the court bow as we move, and as I leave the walls I see the fields infront of me, kissed with fog. A reassuring glimpse of my future, fog.