“Looking up at Heaven, the Knight gave a long sigh, deep in thought. His mustaches drooped down the sides of his mouth, and he put his hand to them before at last speaking. ‘I do not know who you are. Nor who I can compare you to. When I look at you, there is a mystery before me.’”

“‘Here sits a man once full, who is now consumed by something. Though you appear formed of rose and jet, you are sallower than amber. I wonder why God put out the candle he lit himself when creating you. Still, I will share my story with you stranger, as you have shared your hospitality with me.’”

“‘I am Nuridon Phridon. In the distance is my city, Mulghazanzar. It is my home, and I am King. These lands we sit in are the boundary of my Kingdom. Though my domain is small, every part is of the highest quality. You will find no slums or poor quarters in or out of our walls.’”

“‘My people are artisans and scholars, and warriors as well. Our battles are those of science and of the mind. We do not seek conquest of land but rather of self. Because of this, we do not gather lands and people, as others who hold the Lordship are wont to do. Therein lies the tale of my tragedy.’”

“‘My grandfather shared his Kingdom between my father and his brother. Yet, they were not men of the same character. My father was a scholar and a warrior like his father before him and like me. Whereas my uncle only cared about conquering others and acquiring wealth. Though different, they loved one another as brothers, or so I thought until today.’”

“‘Not far from here rests an island in the sea, which is part of the territory my father was given dominion over. Though it is home to my uncle’s fortress, one side is mine by right and remains largely uninhabited. The hunting is excellent there, and my father shared it as a place of sport. Unfortunately, today I learned the legacy of our family has been betrayed by my cousins, for they tried to bring about my ruin.’”

“‘Early this morning, I came near where we sit now. I wanted to be alone and left my troops home. This way I could roam the shores with only a few falconers and beaters. We hoped to find sport, but the tall trees in this place blocked our falcons from pursuing game. In time I decided to visit the island areas my father gave me.’”

“‘We rowed a longboat across the sea to the mouth of a small creek. Though I was surprised at how many people I saw, I did not fear those of my own blood. I was his brother’s son, and we had no reason to argue.’”

“‘I enjoyed myself, shouting as we pursued our prey. The falcons brought down almost everything we chased up, and I shot what was left with my bow. Taking this time alone filled me with joy, and I thought the day was wonderful. Yet the family of my uncle did not share my happiness. They felt I scorned them because I sought my own space rather than seeking them out for conversation.’”

“‘While I hunted, they secretly surrounded me with soldiers, going so far as to block the way back to my ship. Their treachery might have succeeded, but I heard them in the bush and noticed the flash of their blades. When I realized there were men hiding, my men and I quickly retreated, but too many of them attacked us. I shouted out, hoping to avert an accident, for I assumed they had mistaken us for invaders. But then I saw my cousin at their head.’”

“‘He lowered his arm and pointed at me, ordering his men towards where I stood. It was then I understood his intent. They knew I left my Knights at home. Clearly my relatives wanted to murder me in secret. His troops rushed us, cutting down the first of my hunters as they sought to overcome me.’”

“Men leaped from hiding, swords flashing and bows singing as they tried to kill me. My remaining falconers and I raced towards the shore, breaking through their ranks. We shouted to the boatman but could not reach him.’”

“They slaughtered everyone with me, but I would not let them take my head so easily. I fought until my blade broke and I was forced to retreat before being overwhelmed. Yet still, they followed, firing one volley after another or arrows at me. More men came from behind, and they also chased me, but I pulled ahead of them.’”

“‘Not one man who came with me survived the betrayal of my uncle and his sons, but I could not be overpowered with numbers alone. Seeking freedom from their treachery, I urged my horse over their men and into the water. I managed to swim far enough away that they left me to a watery grave, but the sea did not take me. She spit me back on the beach, and I did not die.’”

“‘Now, I pray to Heaven for the strength to seek justice against them in my father’s name. My honor will not allow me to let the lives of those who came with me go unavenged. At this moment, I wish nothing more than to make them lament their existence. I hope to bring the wrath of God down upon their heads and call the crows to make a banquet of their corpses.’”

“When Phridon finished his story, I fully understood the manner of his character and gave my heart to the youth. He was honorable and proud, reminding me of myself in no small way. Yet I also found in his cause a balm to soothe the wounds which seared me, and I offered to help him.

“‘My friend, it is unwise to rush back into a den of vipers. Heal yourself first, and I will accompany you to their ruin. They will not stand against the two of us. We will bring doom upon those who betrayed the honor and dignity of their own blood. This I swear to you.’”

“‘For me, I will tell you the full measure of my tragedy in time. No doubt you are desperate to learn my tale, but we must first tend to your needs. We will help you safely back to your city and the people of Mulghazanzar. To do less would be unbecoming, for we are both Knights and Lords in our own rights. Now, let us rest and ready ourselves for tomorrow.’”

“When I finished speaking, Phridon looked at me with a mix of bewilderment and joy before answering. ‘Who are you to come from nowhere and so willingly offer yourself to the service of my cause? If my uncle and his son were a tenth the man you are, I would have no reason for grief. I will remain indebted to your aid until the day of my death and forever be a friend devoted to you.’”

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