Excerpt: Under the Crestless Moon

“Err…Sir Knight has arrived!”

This caused many people to look at the door curiously. Standing just inside the doorway was a man, dressed smartly in the suite of a lord. His blue breeches were loose fitting, allowing them to cover his shiny black boots. His equally blue coat was buttoned up half way, showing only a glimpse of the white shirt underneath. His hair was mid length, touching just his shoulders had it of been down. Currently, however, it was pulled back in a loose pony tail. The most shocking part, however, was the fact the man was masked. From mid cheek to forehead was a hand crafted leather mask. Only his navy blue eyes shined through the two holes cut for them. He glanced around, tilting his head before starting to the head table, his stride confident.

The queen gasped, staring at the handsome vision that was walking towards her. His honey colored hair, a perfect match to her eyes, shone cleanly with not a piece out of place. She shook her head, trying to clear the haze somewhat, and finally stood. The living god stopped just in front of the table and bowed lowly at the waist, raising his head after only a moment to stare at her. She was once again momentarily struck dumb at the look before clearing her throat.

“Lord Knight, it’s an honor for you to join us tonight. Tonight, not only do the people honor their new queen but we, as a kingdom, honor you for bringing us back our most loved and respected King. I offer you a seat at my side for the night. I have but one request. I request that the kingdom know the name of its hero.”

The knight straightened part of the way through the queen’s speech and had his head tilted slightly to the side. Taria was suddenly becoming nervous, thinking perhaps she crossed an invisible line, unintentionally angering the man. She started to open her mouth to apologize but was stopped by the most intoxicating sound she had ever heard.

“I am honored to be at your side, Queen D’Leandos. I am quite humbled to be honored by you, and the citizens of Jupiana. My name, which is the same as that of my father and his father before he, is Aerik Ithil Veztes,” Lord Veztes spoke lowly, but quite clearly. His voice was deep but didn’t sound like a growl like most men’s voices usually do. He also sounded quite a bit younger than she expected, having first assumed he was around Ireal’s age.

“Ah, the good knight has a name! Come, Brother Veztes, join us in our feast! May we celebrate our new queen and the company of our new brother!”

Aerik glanced at the man who spoke, a large bear of a man who sat further down the table. Taria glanced as well, the man’s booming voice enough to snap her out of her trance. She recognized him as Captain Lloyd Miraad, leader of a nearby military village. She started somewhat and turned to see Aerik had moved to stand next to her, in front of his own seat, merely watching her. She was confused for a moment before flushing; suddenly realizing he was waiting for her to sit first. Quickly, but gracefully, she lowered herself back into her throne while trying to sneak a glance at the enigmatic lord, who sat once she was situated.

“Let the feast begin properly! A toast, to a new future for us all! May we be able to meet any surprise tomorrow holds for us!” Ireal took his moment to raise his glass, causing everyone around the room to do the same. As she raised her own glass, Taria silently added to the toast.

“This is for you, big brother. I won’t let you down.”