Ode to the Courageous

By Chenoa Holdstock

A boy is selected for knight hood...

Every ten years, one serf is given a chance to become a page, and work their way to knighthood. This year, the lucky child is a bit... er, unusual. Is the gamble worth it, though? Will the choice be a good one? Or is this page as good as gone before he even starts?

Read the book to find out!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Chenoa Holdstock
• Release date: Oct 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215462263

Chenoa Holdstock

Chenoa Holdstock is a Christian author from South Africa. Born in 2004, she picked up the love of writing from her older sister and has been writing ever since. She has written a novel and a novella, and is busy with more. Her hobbies include writing, singing, drawing, playing with swords, admiring the miracle of an enchanting auburn fire licking the wood and coal, and fantasising about dragons.

Book preview

Choose the Page

Acrowd of poor hopefuls gathered in the streets, rallying tentatively around the stage. It was a small, non-permanent platform, raised only about thirty centimetres off the ground. On it stood twelve men: two scribes, one king’s representative, five knights, and four high officials of the army.

As you all know, the knight-general said, today is a special day for one of you. There was a shuffle in the streets that made him stop and wait for them to stand still, then he began again. In an effort to increase the well-standing of the poorer such-and-such, one of you will be lucky enough – though luck hasn’t anything to do with this – to become a knight. The crowd became noisy, and the knight-general was forced to shout to quell the din. But! But! he called out. But there are several things we are looking for. First of all, the training of a knight must begin at no older than eight years of age. So, everyone older, you can step back, so that we can see the candidates!

There was outrage. Several brutish youths tried to muscle their way onto the stage, pushing past one another, and forcing their way to the front, but the five knights standing at the ready sent them tumbling back. After some commotion, only a handful of children were left.

Let us continue. The candidates left are all young, but the knight-to-be must be strong. The army takes pride in turning boys into men, but the knights of the king need to be over and above, and that means that you have to be strong. Let’s see who can lift this rock over here. The knight-general lifted a large piece of fabric to reveal a small boulder, about the size of a picnic basket. So, then, line up, in a row, and one at a time, try to lift it!

The boys each tried, but almost none could. One of the boys, a fluffy-haired child, looked scared, and slipped to the back, but the knight-general softly waved him forward to try anyway. By the end, he was one of only five who made it. Those of you who haven’t been disqualified, stand forward. Those who have, go back. Again, there was disappointment, but the group dispersed much faster.

The knight-general motioned for the first boy to come forward. He knelt to be eye to eye with him. Well, then, what makes you want to join the knights?

I want to get my mommy and daddy a castle, the boy answered.

The knight-general nodded. Alright. Then, I have another question for you. What do you think about the king?

I don’t know. I don’t know him.

I see. That’s a good answer. You’ll make a fine young man, and a brilliant scholar, even if you don’t become a knight.

The child smiled, but was waved on. Everyone knew a choice had been made already on whether or not it was him who was chosen. The knight-general’s face gave no clues either way. The next child came up. Hello, Sir, the child said.

There was nothing signalled on the knight-general’s face. What makes you want to become a knight?

I want to make the world a better place, the boy answered.

The knight-general nodded. And, do you think that being a knight is the right way to do that?

Knights stand for valour, for goodness, for kindness, and for such strong Christian beliefs.

And, of course, the king is the leader of this?

If he is king, he must be respected. But he is a mere man. A stand in for the real thing.

The knight-general nodded. I see you have brilliant sense of justice. What’s your name?

Elric.

Well, Elric, you have a brilliant future ahead of you. He waved for the next fellow, who came up unsteadily. You look like the little one who was shy, weren’t you?

He nodded. Y... Yes, Sir.

And why were you so shy? the knight-general asked.

I...

Take your time, he soothed.

I just didn’t think I could.

But you want to be a knight?

Yes, Sir.

And why is that?

I want to be a knight because.... the little boy moved from foot to foot uneasily. I don’t know. I just like the king.

Do you know his name? The little boy shook his head. The knight-general smiled. You’ll do well in life. You’re loyal. The knight-general waved for the fourth one. This boy stood taller than his peers and looked a good deal stronger. And why do you want to become a knight?

I want to ride horses, he said. That, and serve the king.

But mostly ride horses? the knight-general smiled.

The little boy paused, thinking earnestly about the question. He shook his head. No, Sir.

The knight-general nodded, his face returning to a stoic, unreadable expression. And, what do you think the job of the knight is?

I think that the job of a knight is to protect those who can’t protect themselves.

And you love your king?

He nodded enthusiastically.

I see. The knight-general waved up the last one. He was small. Too small. Would you be kind enough to show me you lifting that boulder again?

The little boy smiled slyly. He went directly to the rock, and, in lifting it, the knight-general knew there was a trick.

Are you using some form of hidden lever or pully mechanism?

The little boy winked.

I appreciate your ingenuity, but you need more than that to survive as a knight. He looked down despondently. Try joining the royal library study. You’ll do well to learn engineering.

The little boy nodded sadly. The general stood. Everyone is now dismissed! I will find those who I need to speak to again.

The hopefuls dispersed, and the men spoke amongst themselves. Then, after some time, three of the boys were called back for more questions. As they waited outside the door to the inn where the general was staying and presently interviewing the first boy, the other two chatted.

Hi, the tall boy said. How are you?

The other boy with him was the shy one. He shifted back quietly.  H... he paused nervously. Hi.

You alright?

The shy one nodded. He pulled back even further. They stared at one another in awkward silence for the rest of the time, before the tall fellow was called in, and the other came out.

E... Elric? the shy child asked.

You know my name? the other asked.

I remember it. Y... you really n... know what you stand for.

I think a knight always should, Elric nodded. You know what you stand for?

The king, I guess, the shy child shrugged.

So vague?

The shy child thought about it. No. The king. Definitely.

Elric laughed. No one with such simple loyalties will become a knight.

More time passed in silence. Finally, the shy child was called in. The knight-general invited him to sit down. This time, it was just them. No one else was there to listen in or pass comment. A deathly silence hung in the air. The general smiled softly, and the tension lifted a bit.

What’s your name, young man?

O...Ode, the boy replied.

The knight-general nodded. Well, my name is Sir Mislav. But you can just call me, Sir, if you like.

Ode nodded. Y...Yes, Sir.

Do you want something to drink? Sir Mislav asked. Ode shook his head. Sir Mislav pursed his lips. When I ask you a question, I’d like you to answer out loud. As in, with words.

Ode nodded. Further raising of Sir Mislav’s eyebrows prompted him to continue. Yes, Sir. I... I understand.

Very good. Now, tell me, what’s your trade?

Oh, I don’t work as anything, Ode replied.

But your father does. So, surely you help him?

Ode opened his eyes sharply. Oh! I see. Yes, Sir. I help my daddy in his shop. He’s a blacksmith. I help man the fire.

I see. A blacksmith, then? Interesting. And, do you know anything scholarly?

Scholarly?

As in, books. Geography. Mathematics. Tactics.

Oh, Ode hung his head. I tried, but I don’t have any teachers, and besides which, I’m not very good at it.

If you were given the chance to learn them, under a teacher, would you like to learn?

Ode shrugged. I would like to, I think. I don’t know, but I think so.

I see, Sir Mislav said, sitting down. So, then, tell me, why should I choose you over someone else?

I... Ode contemplated. I think you should choose whoever you like. But I just want to work for the king.

Sir Mislav nodded. What would you do if the king were wrong about something?

No.

No?

No. He’s not wrong. He can’t be.

Sir Mislav smiled. I think I really like you.

Ode grinned. I like you too!

He jumped up and flung his arms around Sir Mislav’s neck. Sir Mislav quickly made him release, standing sternly. You can’t be hugging your superior, now! he warned.

Ode stood back. My... Superior?

Slowly, the realisation dawned on him what the knight-general had said, and his eyes lit up. He laughed loudly, with tears rolling down his cheeks.

Now, my boy, Sir Mislav knelt, taking him by the shoulders, you can tell your parents, but you can’t tell anyone else. I’ll also speak to your parents and sort out anything that needs sorting out.

Teach the Page to Mount

After about a week , the group hit the road, and Ode’s training began.

The most fundamental thing about a knight is that he is mounted on horseback, Sir Mislav explained to him, and good at it. So, this should be a good opportunity for you to start learning how to do that. Whatever you’ve learned in the past, forget it. Let’s start there, shall we?

Ode nodded. Sir Mislav glared at him, reminding him to reply out loud. Yes, Sir.

Sir Mislav looked pleased, and walked up to the mounting platform. You can always mount a horse from a standstill, but it puts more strain on the beast’s back, and you never want to do that. I would advise you to use a platform whenever possible.

Yes, Sir.

Now, watch how I do it, and repeat my actions exactly. Sir Mislav walked up the stairs and stood beside his horse. Hold the back of the saddle, the cantle, with your right hand, and the reigns and front of the saddle, the horn, in your left. Slide your left foot into the foot holder, the stirrup, and carefully swing your right leg over the horse, and into the right stirrup. You got that?

Yes, Sir.

Sir Mislav rode a bit away, and one of the knights brought another horse alongside. Ode curled the reigns up in his left hand and gripped firmly onto the horn. With his right, he gripped the cantle. Then, placing his right foot in the stirrup, he tried to follow through the motions, and got stuck. He looked to Sir Mislav for help.

If you want to mount backwards, you’re doing great. But knights don’t mount backwards. Switch feet.

Realisation dawned on him, and he corrected himself, following through the actions heavily. The horse moved uneasily underneath him. How was that, Sir?

It was okay. But you’ll hurt the horse if you come down with so much force. Be gentle.

Yes, Sir.

Now, sit up straight, Sir Mislav said, and hold your reigns loosely by your horse’s neck. There should be some slack there to allow it to move freely. Ode sat in an exaggerated form of the pose, and Sir Mislav laughed. Are you being a chicken? Relax. You need to be proud, but relaxed. Confident, but calm. He shifted his horse closer to Ode and guided him to the correct posture. Much better. Now, you’ll be keeping that pose for the entirety of our journey.

The whole way? But that’s so long!

Sir. That’s so long, Sir.

Sir.

It may be long, but that’s how knights are. You’ll learn to live with it, Sir Mislav agreed. Squeeze your legs together ever so gently, and the horse will move forward.

Ode did as he was instructed, and the horse moved forward, allowing the others to mount.

Sir, the foot-handles are very low for me, Ode said.

Stirrups.

Stirrups, Sir.

Repeat the statement now, but correctly.

The stirrups are very loose for me.

Sir.

Sir.

In that case, tighten them.

How would I do that, Sir?

First, put your reigns over the horn of your saddle. That’s called dropping your reigns.

Yes, Sir.

Now, move your one foot out of the stirrup.

Just the one?

Yes, just the one, Sir Mislav confirmed. Now, lift up the stirrup, and move the buckle one or two holes up.

Ode successfully did so, returning it to its hanging position.

That nice and snug now?

Ode nodded. Sir Mislav raised the eyebrow again. Yes, Sir, much better.

Good. Now you can do the same to the other side. Just make sure they’re even.

Following through the motions, he found himself positioned comfortably. So, how do I ride? That eyebrow lifted again. Sir. How do I ride, Sir?

Sir Mislav smiled. For now, we won’t do anything fancy, but you’ll need to know the basics. So, pay attention.

Yes, Sir.

Never be harsh with your horse. A soft tug, tap, or squeeze will tell the horse everything it needs to know. Are we clear?

Yes, Sir.

The reigns are how you steer the horse. Tweak them to the right, and the horse will go to the right. To the left, and the horse will go to the left. If you want to stop, nip them gently back. Never yank on a horse’s reigns.

Ode didn’t reply to that, rather he set about testing each of those theories. Squeezing gently, the horse began to move forward, and, pulling left, it followed. Right, it followed. Back, it stopped. He grinned.

This horse’s name is Blue, by the way, Mislav said. He’ll be the horse you get to use on long travels. That makes him your privilege, but also your responsibility.

Ode’s eyes lit up. Oh, nice to meet you, Blue! I’m Ode!

Knights are never loud and rambunctious. They are strong, polite, and refined.

Oh, sorry, Ode said. Sorry, Sir.

It’s okay. You’re learning.

The other men joined them, and they began riding. You’ll ride behind us, at the back, just in front of the manservants because you don’t have a high rank. We ride in order of rank.

Yes, Sir.

Do you know what your rank is?

Knight...?

No.

I don’t know then, Sir.

Sir Mislav turned to him. You are a ministerialis-page. Technically a page, but practically a ministerialis. One day, when you become a knight, you will be the lowest of the knights, who are low nobles.

Ode hung his head. Ministerialis, those lifted from serfdom into positions of power, were lower than all other nobles. It was the best they would ever get. But he was to be a knight. And knights don’t hang their heads. So, correcting his posture, and falling into line, he determined to do all he could to become a knight proper. And what was more, he determined to outrank his peers, and protect his king best of all.

Rise and fall with your horse, nice and relaxed, the knight nearest him instructed.

Ode nodded. Yes, Sir.

The journey ahead would be long, but long was alright. It was practice. And practice to be the best was the best thing he could think of. But besides which, he rather liked riding a horse like a real knight. He would hardly reject that!

Assign the Page

Ten days later the group arrived at a castle. It was much grander than anything Ode had seen before, three stories tall, five in some places, and eighty metres wide, excluding the gardens and surrounding land. It was a behemoth.

Technically, this is not a castle, this is a keep, Sir Mislav corrected. The castle includes everything up to the outer curtain wall, which is that big wall outside of the village.

Wow, Ode gaped.

Stop gawking, the knight nearest him warned. The knight who is lord of this castle doesn’t take well to open-mouthed oglers. Be respectful and quiet.

Yes, Sir, Ode whispered.

I beg your pardon?

You said be quiet.

I didn’t mean like that.

Oh, Ode puzzled. Then what did you mean?

The knight opened his mouth to reply, but wasn’t quite sure how. Eventually, he replied, I mean, don’t speak unnecessarily. When you do speak though, speak clearly.

What’s necessary speech?

Not what you’re doing right now.

Oh. Ode wasn’t sure how to continue from there, although he still hadn’t quite grasped the instruction.

They brought their horses to the stables, and Ode was the first to dismount, eager to help clean the horses. Patience, Sir Mislav scolded. The highest-ranking person always dismounts first.

Yes, Sir. Sorry, Sir, Ode replied.

Sir Mislav handed the reigns of his horse to one of the stable hands and signalled to Ode to follow suit. Ordinarily, you would deal with your horse yourself, but I think you would be more eager to meet the knight you’ll be learning under. Ode considered the statement. Difficult concept? Sir Mislav asked sharply.

Well, Ode paused. "Yes, Sir. I want to meet the knight, of course, but I also want to look after Blue.