The Knight's Apprentice: Tales of Davy Jones, #3

By Carl Gundestrup

After demanding his right to face the King's choice, the newest Knight Sir Christian Thomas Ricard, to see who would represent the kingdom at the great tournament, previously unbeaten Sir Eric Reynolds is defeated and seriously injured. But rather than retire to his estate to recover, Eric moves into the castle. Soon the king mysteriously becomes ill and Eric becomes the Lord High Sheriff running the affairs of the kingdom.  After Sir Christian is betrayed, crippled, and falsely imprisoned, the only one with a chance of destroying Poltroon the dragon that has terrorized the people for centuries, rallying the people to defeat the usurper's army, and restore freedom is - The Knight's Apprentice. 

 

The "Tales of Davy Jones Series"

For over four thousand years, the seafaring Jones family has passed a seaman's locker from father to son containing the books, journals, diaries, ships log, and priceless artifacts collected by members of the family that contain clues to some of the greatest treasures and mysteries in history. "The Knight's Apprentice" was taken from the third journal of Captain David Jones.  It appears that another member of the Jones family obtained the original manuscript from an ancient burial mound in either Denmark or Sweden.  In the forward of the book, Captain Jones's description gives us some insight into where it came from and how he obtained it.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Carl Gundestrup
• Release date: Jul 23, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201727390

Carl Gundestrup

Carl lives in Riverton, Utah with with mulitple personalities, imaginary friends and with his wonderful wife Ronda stationed nearby in "Reality."

Book preview

CHAPTER I

Written by order of the King.

The Knight’s Apprentice

Long ages ago in a land that has long since been lost and forgotten a terrible beast roamed the countryside.  His name was Poltroon.  He was nearly twice as tall as the largest of cottages and covered with blackish-green scales that were serrated like shark's teeth.  Poltroon was credited with burning villages to the ground, utterly destroying castles, leaving entire kingdoms in ruins, and scattering armies like leaves before a whirlwind.  For nearly two centuries every living creature trembled beneath the shadow of this demon.

Near the eastern coast of the continent at the edge of the great sea was a forest unlike any other in the known world.  The trees were large, their branches brimming with leaves and the vegetation of the entire forest appeared as it was in full bloom... but entirely stone gray.  The forest was petrified.

It appeared as though it had turned to stone in a single moment.  One minute it was a beautiful forest teeming with life.  The next, it was as though it had become a dark gray dismal tomb, an omen, stating to the world that even nature could not stand against this evil.  It was a dark loathsome place that exuded a spirit of heinous foreboding.

Though no one dared venture in to be certain, it was commonly believed that this was Poltroon's home.  Very near the entrance to the stone forest was a great, majestic, giant oak.  It was the only living thing within a day's ride of the great petrified woodland.

How it survived was a mystery.  It was like an exquisite glowing, lush beacon of hope in a sea of dismal despair.  At the base of the tree, about midway up the trunk, was a short verse.  It appeared as though it had been written from the inside of the tree to the outside world.  It read simply.

"While Honor lays dying and Evil is crowned,

Truth will face Fear and strike the Demon down.

Then Courage and Truth, who faced Evil alone,

Will martial an army and give Honor the throne."

For generations, the noble people of the land held firm to their conviction that one-day Poltroon the dragon would be destroyed.  The kind, peace-loving people of the land thought of the tree and its verse as a symbol of hope.  The short couplet could be quoted verbatim by every child old enough to speak.  But with each succeeding generation, the number of believers began to diminish.  The strength to endure Poltroon's smothering blackness continued to ebb. 

Some said, These are modern times.  Only a fool would believe in an old wives’ tale supposedly written on a tree.

Gradually the few candles of faith that remained began to flicker. Over time, it appeared they were all snuffed out.  All that is, but one.  There was one believer whose faith was unflinching and who refused to surrender hope.  One who continued to believe and stand firm in his conviction that the dragon could be destroyed.  He would become known in the kingdom as The knight... who was not so bright.

CHAPTER II

Mckay

One cold, snowy night, a giant of a man, Christian Thomas Richards knelt by his young wife, Elaine.  She was giving birth to their first child.  Outside the little cottage tornado-like snow flurries prowled and swirled over the countryside like shadowy white demons.  Winter winds howled like the voices of mourning banshees.

Can I get you a drink of water? Christian asked. 

Nervously, he wiped the perspiration from his sweet wife's brow. 

Yes, thank you, she replied. 

Elaine patted his arm and stroked his hair.  Christian placed

his good arm on the bedpost and raised himself enough to get his good leg under him, then stood up and headed for the pitcher.

Hour after hour the brave young mother labored, accompanied only by her loyal husband and the incessant chatter of hail upon the doors and window shutters.  After many hours of difficult labor Christian held the tiny infant in his massive hands.

It's a boy! Declared the proud father to his wife.  "It's a boy!

Is it Christian then? Elaine asked.

Yes!  He shall be known as Christian McKay Richards.  We shall call him McKay after his grandfather.

McKay was not an exceptionally handsome child.  He had fuzzy blonde hair that stuck straight out from his head. Fat, puffy cheeks and large blue eyes.  His cute little smile seemed to fill the room with light.  To his proud father, he was the brightest, most handsome, talented child ever born. 

The new papa wrapped his little man in a clean new diaper and a warm blanket that had been draped over a chair by the fire and handed him back to his mother.  Elaine smiled at her new little man and his proud father.

Tears welled up in Christian's sky blue eyes as he looked at his new little son and his courageous mother.

Thank you was all that he could say.  But Elaine understood all that was in his heart. 

McKay was hardly out of diapers when his father began giving him chores.  There were the gathering eggs, weeding the garden, chopping wood, stacking wood, plowing the garden, planting, watering, and milking.  Repairing the wagon, the barn, and the roof on the house, the churning of butter and smoking meat. 

McKay learned early that although his father was what some would consider crippled, with a left leg that didn't bend well and a left shoulder that wasn't much good he could do more in one day than most men could do in three.

Their home was a good deal larger than most of the homes in the area as Christian was much bigger than any of the neighboring fellow. Unlike many of the other homes, they had both a large cold storage room beneath the main floor and a loft up above that could act as a bedroom, as well as 4 large bedrooms.  The main floor consisted of the fireplace with a large mantle, a table, a sink with cupboards, and an area adjacent to the sink for preparing food. 

Mckay had been in many of the neighbor’s homes and never seen any as elaborate as theirs.  It was by no means elegant, just bigger.  His father had completely dismantled the original cottage to create what they now had.

CHAPTER III

Knights

McKay looked forward to Saturdays.  Sometimes they took rides deep into the woods and had picnics or went hunting or fishing.  But most of the time they went to the castle to buy and sell their goods.

This Saturday McKay and Christian got up extra early so the chores would be done by mid-morning.  They hitched the wagon while mother got little William ready.  It was one day short of McKay's tenth birthday, and he was excited about their little excursion. 

Mckay had been to the castle marketplace with his father many times, but today was to be special.  Just outside the castle walls was the farmer's market.  Dozens of merchants, peddlers, artisans, bakers, farmers, and the like sold their wares from wagons, tents, ramshackle lean-tos, and tables.  There was food, clothing, leather, rope, bricks, and almost anything one could imagine.  The area was covered in a fog of smoke and the odor of roasting meats, garlic, onions, fresh bread, pies, and cheeses of every variety.

As the wagon passed through the castle gate to their right was the school for the children of nobility and the wealthy.  Mckay always marveled at the beautiful clothing of children and the opulence of their school.  There was a large gated area surrounded by a tall fence.  The building was incredibly large and ornate for a school.  The kingdom had enjoyed peace for many years and there were a great many knights and high-ranking officers in the king’s government, which also meant that there were a great many children to attend the school.

To the left was the castle stable.  The rest of the commons area was filled with dozens of small well-established shops where the more successful merchants sold their wares.  Above the commons was a gigantic rampart with a beautiful garden furnished with tables and chairs where the nobility could eat, relax, bask in the sunshine, and enjoy a beautiful view of the countryside.  More than a dozen shops that catered specifically to the king, his court, and the very wealthy also shared a portion of the upper rampart.

The day was warm and the sound of street performers, minstrels, and the general din of hundreds of people echoed off the walls of the castle.

But this day seemed different.  For the first time, Mckay observed something that he had always sensed but had somehow escaped him.  He noticed that hundreds of people came and went at the marketplace completely unnoticed.  But every time they came people seemed to stop whatever they were doing and take notice of them.  Some of them would even bow or curtsey to them.  McKay wondered about it.

Father, why is it that whenever we come to the market everyone stops to look at us?

They’re kindly people. Was all that he said.

The answer seemed true enough, but somehow young McKay felt there was more. As they came around a corner, McKay saw five knights on horseback.  Their crisp, neatly pressed uniforms seem to McKay to give them the appearance of everything good in a man.  They seemed distinguished, honorable, and fearsome.  Even their horses seemed to walk with an air of pride.  McKay thought that nothing in the world could look nobler than a knight on horseback.

As the knights approached all five knights saluted them, and then with heads held high they moved on.  McKay saw the respect and the reverence in the faces as the knights passed.  McKay knew at that moment that to be a knight was the dream of his heart.

How do you become a knight? McKay asked.

Christian remained silent for several moments before he responded.

Why do you ask?

I want to be a knight.  More than anything in the world, I want to be a great knight. young McKay said.

That is how I felt when I saw my first knight, Christian said. 

I thought that nothing in the world could be so grand as to be a knight serving King Derrick.  But there is much more to it than just wearing armor and riding a beautiful horse.  It takes years of back-breaking work, study, and discipline.

What do you have to do? McKay asked.

Most knights are the sons of knights.  At age eight they begin schooling in language, science, the arts, religion, politics, chivalry, and combat.  While the common children are farming and helping with the chores, the children of nobility are being trained and prepared for knighthood and the king's service.

What if your father isn't a knight?  Asked McKay.

"When you become twelve years of age you may apply to enter the king's service as a page.  If the trainer of knights thinks you have potential as a soldier, you may be recruited as a warrior in the king's army.  If you are the best soldier, meaning the best archer, the best swordsman, the best at the joust and many other tests of skill and courage, then you may be selected to

become a novice."

What's a novice? McKay questioned.

Christian smiled. 

A novice is a knight in training.  Very few men make it to novice, let alone knighthood.  There is so much to learn to catch up with those that have been raised to be knights.  A great warrior is strong as a horse, agile as a cat, quick as a snake, cunning as a fox, and fierce as a bear with a cub.

McKay had never heard his father speak with such conviction.  It was as if he was quoting something he had memorized. He was surprised that his father knew so much about knighthood.

It takes years of single-minded discipline to become good enough to be selected by the king to be a knight.  And even then if you have the good fortune to have someone to sponsor you before the king, you still may not be selected.

Young McKay eyed his father curiously.  Somehow he seemed different to him.  Perhaps he thought, that although his father was crippled, he had dreamt of being a knight.

CHAPTER IV

McKay’s Birthday Present

Christian brought their wagon to a stop in front of Edward Ware's shop.  Mckay, Christian, William, and Elaine entered the shop.  Edward was a tall slender man with a long scar on the left side of his face and walked with a limp.  He was much older than Christian but had a sense of youth and fun about him.

He stopped and stared at William a moment.

Here let me show you something.

He raised little William's arm slowly as if he were going to teach him something important and then tickled him.  Everyone including William laughed.

Edward's hair was very gray, very thin and his feet were extraordinarily long.  He had a large mustache, sparkling green eyes, and the cheery disposition of a mischievous schoolboy. 

McKay had never been to his shop before but they had met on the street many times and he and his father were obviously great friends.  Although Edward was slow to get up and had difficulty standing erect after sitting it was obvious to Mckay that Edward had the look of a warrior and Mckay had a sense that if Edward were cornered he could do far more than just defend himself.

Well look who's here!  The birthday boy, am I right?

McKay grinned and stuck out his hand and gave Mr. Ware a firm handshake. 

Yes sir.  I'll be ten tomorrow.

Well, maybe we'll have to wait? Edward said.

Edward, Christian, and Elaine all looked at Mckay.

Wait for what? Mckay asked.

Edward grinned.  Christian smiled. 

I think we're close enough.  He was born not long after midnight so we aren't that far away.

Edward pulled from his back pocket an exquisitely beautiful long, slender, deep-blue velvet bag.  He handed it to Christian.  Christian looked at Edward for a long moment.

Edward.  I would like you to give it to Mckay.

Mckay did not understand what happened next.  It was silent for long moments and Edward became teary-eyed.  He stood a little taller.  Looked Christian in the eye and put his hand on Christian's shoulder. 

Thank you.  I would be honored. was all Edward said. 

But Mckay could sense that Edward and his father had just had a tender moment between close friends.  Before Edward stepped forward Christian knelt in front of Mckay, which was a very difficult thing for his father.  Mckay knew it must be an important moment if his father would come down on one knee to face him.

Mckay.  Edward is one of the greatest swordsmen I have ever known.  He creates the most perfectly balanced weapons from the finest steel in all the known countries.  He has made this, especially for you.

Edward waited while Christian struggled to get his good leg in the right spot so he could stand.  Then Edward knelt on one knee in front of Mckay and removed his gift from its velvet covering. 

McKay’s eyes went wide and his face showed every bit of the awe and reverence the weapon deserved.  It was more than just a knife.  It was a work of art in the form of a weapon.  It was a dazzling, razor-sharp dagger with a sterling silver handle and three letters made of pure gold inlaid on either side of the handle.  An exquisite blue sapphire had been forged into the center of the handle, visible from all four sides. 

As Mckay took the weapon and wrapped his hand around it he could feel the letters in his palm and the tips of his fingers.

The shop was silent.  The few patrons that were nearby stopped and stared in reverent awe.  Christian looked at his young son for some time before he spoke.

"This weapon is a representation of what I hope for you to become.  This dagger will never give up.  It will never bend, never rust, never chip, and never falter.  It was made of the finest materials known to man.  Forged in the hottest fire by the greatest craftsman I have ever known into the perfect weapon you see before you.  Whenever you look at it, touch it, use it or even think of it, I want you to remember that it is a symbol of your destiny.  It is a reminder that I want you to become as pure, refined, and perfected as a man as this dagger is as a weapon. 

It will take a lifetime to forge a heart, build a character and create a man capable of matching the perfection of this dagger.  But that is the aim your mother and I have for your life.  You must put away all the small, petty, childish things of your character and remember your mission to become a man of complete honor. 

You will make mistakes.  That is expected.  Don't become discouraged.  It will take all of your efforts, all of the time, and your entire life.  But that is your goal, to become a man of honor."

Mckay stood in silence.  He gazed upon the perfect knife before him.  The task seemed impossible.  But also, he knew that if his father expected it of him, it was not only possible but the only acceptable outcome. 

Mckay opened his palm and gazed at the gold letters C T R inlaid on the sides of the handle shimmering in the sunlight streaming through the window.  Someone watching nearby whispered C T R?

A fellow spoke reverently Christian Thomas Richards.

Mckay glanced up at the man.  Mckay knew he was wrong.  He looked his father in eye but said nothing.  Christian nodded affirmatively and smiled at his young son.

CHAPTER V

Novice

The following week his father's closest friends, McHenry Stallwert and Kelvin Lenhart came to visit.  McKay remembered that McHenry had been one of the king's instructors.

McHenry was well over six feet tall.  He was large-boned and thick-muscled, with an enormous broad barrel chest.  His steel blue eyes had a perennial look of mischief.  He had the distinguished look of a seasoned veteran.  His thick, black hair was now salted with gray.  McHenry possessed a large square jaw and the rugged look of a fierce warrior.  He had numerous scars from his years of service to the king and McKay knew that each scar had a tale of great adventure associated with it.

McHenry was a wise man whose honor and courage was beyond question.  On numerous occasions, Christian had told the family stories of McHenry's exploits.  McKay knew that if McHenry Stallwert gave you his word, it was taken as a fact that he would do as he said. 

McHenry was not a man to be crossed, but he had the kind and tender heart of a little child.  More than once his father said that McHenry had been caught playing with children, which was considered to be beneath the dignity of a knight.

Kelvin was a tall, slender man with incredibly broad shoulders.  Mckay thought he looked like a big tall triangle.  He had a long, thin nose, big bushy eyebrows, and a mustache.  He laughed at everything and particularly enjoyed poking fun at McHenry. 

Although Kelvin was only a few years older than Christian and McHenry he seemed like everyone's grandfather.  Kelvin was very wise and had a sort of sixth sense about people and events of the future.  McKay didn't get to see Uncle Kelvin as often as Uncle McHenry, but he loved him with his whole heart.  Kelvin always brought with him a present or a treat for the children and the family, but Mckay had come to experience something his mother had said about Kelvin's appearances.

Whenever Kelvin comes into our home, he brings a feeling of calm and peace.  He is so quiet and unassuming. One would never know he was a warrior if you were to meet him alone and dressed as other men.

Perhaps most important to Mckay was the sure knowledge in his heart that Kelvin loved him.  He made McKay feel as if he were the most important person in the whole world and treated him as if he was Kelvin's son.

McKay couldn't wait to get McHenry alone so he could talk to him about being a knight.  Although McHenry and Kelvin were not actually members of the family, they reveled in being referred to as his uncles.

After dinner when things had settled and they were sitting around the fire McKay finally could stand it no longer.

Uncle McHenry what does it take to become a knight?

There was an uncomfortable silence.  McKay could tell that even his mother was taken aback by the question.  McHenry looked at Christian.  Kelvin just smiled.  Finally, his father spoke.

We were in the market Saturday and McKay saw William's boy and several other young knights.

Have you talked with McKay about this before? McHenry asked.

No. Was all that Christian said.

With the way things are... McHenry looked at Kelvin and stopped in mid-sentence and turned to McKay.

What would you like to know? McHenry smiled.

Didn't you train novices for the king?

McHenry looked at Christian who remained impassive.

Yes, I did. McHenry began. 

It was a position none of the other knights wanted because it is a glamor-less, tedious, and thankless plague.  But it is a job I volunteered for because it is vital to the well-being and future of the kingdom.

Kelvin chuckled. 

And because he loves to bully those poor unfortunate young souls who fall beneath his heavy hand.

Everyone laughed, especially Christian. For the next several hours McKay asked every question he could think of about what knights did to prepare, what their duties are after becoming knights, and dozens of other questions.  With each adventure that McHenry and Kelvin shared the more convinced McKay became that he wanted with all of his heart to be a knight.

It was nearly midnight when Christian finally said they needed

to get to bed.  All night long young McKay dreamed of being a knight and riding a great white stallion.

The next morning at breakfast McKay could hardly contain himself.  He knew Kelvin and McHenry were leaving.  He was certain he would die of stomach knots if he didn't get his request out before they left.

Uncle McHenry, will you help me prepare to be a knight?

Again a kind of tension entered the room.