Poll Results: What Did YOU Think of Knight's Quest?

Hello, all! The "What did you think of Knight's Quest" poll is over, and I shall post the results. Thank you to everyone who voted. I really appreciate your opinions.

LOVED it!	1 (16%)
Liked it.	4 (66%)
It was ok.	1 (16%)
Eh. I didn't really like it.	0 (0%)

Apparently, it was better than I thought. I'm glad that no one said that they didn't like it.

Next two week's poll: a double set. "What should this legendary weapon in one of my stories do?" and "What, if anything, should I do more or less of on this blog?" Please vote in these polls, especially the first one.

Thanks again for voting!
-Sarah

Knight's Quest Part Six

Hi, everyone! I’ve returned, with the sixth and final part of Knight’s Quest! Ready to find out what happens? Read on! Haven’t read parts one-five yet? Here are the links to part one, part two, part three, part four, and part five! Now, on with the tale!

Part Six

Sir William and Sir Walter spent an hour creeping through the dark passages of Miran’s fortress, trying to find the throne room. Finally, after following a pair of slaves, they found it. Walter waited in the small anteroom just outside the throne room while William entered.

“Miran, you rascally, rotten, reptilian ripsnorter! Your doom is nigh!” exclaimed Sir William.

            Miran spun around, startled, but the dragon was careful not to show the scaleless spot. As Miran spun, Sir William noticed Princess Ariana, who was chained to the huge, black, stone chair that Miran used for a throne. “Who are you?” asked Miran.
            “I am Sir William of Antuindia, champion of that same city, and I have come to slay you and rescue the Princess Ariana, you vexing, venomous vermin!” replied Sir William.
            “Ha!” bellowed Miran. “You? One human, defeat me, the mightiest of dragons, who has roasted whole armies? I don’t think so. Now, run away, Sir William, while I’m still of a mind to let you live!”
            “You misbegotten muddler!” returned Sir William, “I shall not leave until I have done what I came here to do, or die trying!”
            “Then you have come to your death!” roared Miran, plunging toward Sir William. Sir William quickly dove out of the way, swinging his sword towards Miran. He missed, but Miran was still enraged. He blew a stream of fire at the knight, who once again dodged out of the way. Sir William jabbed at Miran, but he missed once more. Suddenly, Miran struck out at Sir William, who dove away once more, but this time he wasn’t fast enough. Miran’s gigantic claw cut into William’s leg, wounding it.
            Sir William fell to the ground, clutching his leg. “Now, Walter!” he yelled at the top of his voice. “Do it now!”
            Suddenly, Walter, who had been hiding in a small anteroom, threw a huge spider in front of Miran, who reared up in shock. Then, Sir William, with all the strength he could muster, leapt up and drove his sword up to the hilt in Miran’s chest, right through the scaleless hollow. Miran fell to the ground, screeching. “Nooooooo!” he screeched, and then he fell dead.
            William hesitated, listening intently for the cry of guards rushing to their master’s aid. Hearing none, he turned, wondering if Miran had commanded no loyal or at least semi-loyal servants. To his surprise, a crowd of people was gathered around the door. Where’d they all come from? He wondered.

A small girl, probably a slave, spoke up. “Sir, will the master get up?”

Sir William shook his head. “Nay. Miran will not rise again. You are all free to do what you will.”

The servants and slaves stood for a moment, and then someone let out a cry of joy. “We’re free!” Soon all the gathered people were laughing and rejoicing in their new freedom. William pulled a young man aside.

“Does Miran have any guards, anyone who would be upset by his death?” he asked.

The young man shook his head. “No, sir. The only people who might’ve been upset are the soldiers he paid a bit to defend the castle when the master was too lazy to do it himself, and if you leave his treasures here, or most of them anyway, they won’t care one bit.”

William smiled and said “Thank you, lad.” Then he hurried away to tell Walter the news. The two knights and Princess Ariana quickly began the ride back to Antuindia, each astride one of the many horses Miran had stolen from King Jonathan’s stables. Their quest was complete.            

About a week later . . .

            “I hereby declare you commander in chief of the royal army, and the champion of Alitene!” King Jonathan tapped the kneeling Sir William on the shoulder with his sword, and motioned for him to stand. There had been some debate over whether Sir William would accept the position, but the mission had helped him to regain his confidence. The crowd broke into a loud cheer. The people who had assisted with the conquest of Miran had all been well rewarded, from Sir Shaftson Blackwood of Woodsrovia, to the two slaves who had unknowingly informed Sir William and Sir Walter of Miran’s fear of spiders.  The ceremony for doing so was almost over. After King Jonathan made one last speech, Sir William hurried over to Sir Walter. “Some adventure wasn’t it?” he asked.
            “Aye,” agreed Sir Walter. “And I wonder what our next one will be!””
           

As Lady Aleta finished her tale, the crowd broke into applause. “Hurrah, Lady Aleta!” someone yelled. “That was the best tale yet!” Aleta smiled. She loved telling the tales of Alitene’s history, and like Sir Walter, she couldn’t wait for the next one!

Well? What did you think? Please comment and tell me! Also, don’t forget to cast your vote on whether or not I should post parts/chapters on Saturdays! How? Just click here and comment with your opinion!

-Sarah

Knight's Quest Part Five

Hello, all! Ready for Part Five of Knight’s Quest? If you are, that’s great, because I’m posting it today! Haven’t read parts one through four yet? Don’t worry, here are the links to part one, part two, part three, and part four. And now, without further ado, part five!

Part Five

Shaftson led William and Walter to another treetop clearing, this one with several possible seats. They all sat down and William and Walter glanced at each other, hoping that Shaftson would tell them Miran’s secrets. When he did not, William decided that it was time to take the direct approach.

 “So Shaftson,” started William, “Will you please tell us these secrets we've been waiting so long to hear?"
Shaftson sighed, then said "Very well. Like most dragons, Miran is proud, vain, and has very strong protective scales covering his body. However, there is a small patch, quite close to his heart, where there are no scales at all. No one has ever been able to exploit this, for Miran is careful to not expose it."
Walter nodded. "Any other weaknesses?"
Shaftson shook his head. "I do not believe so. He is clever, but suspicious, and I have heard that he is fond of riddles, though I believe this is true for most dragons. But . . ." he trailed off.
"But what?" William and Walter exclaimed together.
Shaftson sighed. "This is only a rumor, but I have heard that Miran has some sort of fear that is unusual to dragons, which means that it could be anything, since most dragons have virtually no fear. However, if the rumor is true, which I highly doubt, neither I nor any other elves in Woodsrovia know what it is."
William frowned. "It could be true. Even the strangest of rumors often has a bit of truth at the center of it."
Walter grinned. "Whatever it is, we'll figure it out. Thank you, Shaftson."
Shaftson rose and bowed. "It was no trouble. Now, if you'll excuse me . . ." he quickly walked away, leaving William and Walter to plan for the following day.

            The two knights left for Miran’s fortress early the next day, but it was noon by the time they got there. They stopped for a lunch of bread and cheese, and to discuss the plan they had made the previous night.

            “Alright,” said William, “So, the plan is; we somehow overpower the guards, sneak into the castle, locate Miran, create some kind of distraction to get him to rear up, stab him through the unprotected spot, and get out of there with the princess. Correct?”

            “Yeah,” replied Walter, “That’s pretty much it, although I’d prefer to sneak past the guards if possible.”

            “I agree,” spoke William, “But do we know what kind of distraction we’re making? I don’t like going in there unprepared.”

            “No, I’m afraid we don’t.” answered Walter, “But I do agree that that part of the plan is a little weak.”

            Both thought about it for a minute, and then Walter said “maybe we’ll think of something once we get inside. I think we should just wait and cross that bridge when we come to it.”

            “Very well.” agreed William, a bit wearily. “Now, let’s get going!” And they headed for Miran’s fortress once more.

            The two knights approached the back of the castle first. Finding it unguarded, they climbed up fairly quickly, Walter saying “I told you those climbing lessons would come in handy someday! And to think you didn’t believe me! Look how much trouble and noise it saved us!”

            To which William replied, “Hush! Save your breath for climbing! Do you want to get caught?” Walter, seeing the truth in his friend’s words, shut up.

            Once inside the fortress, William and Walter crept through the hallways, trying to find the throne room, where Miran would surely be. Suddenly, they froze. There were voices coming from the next room! The two knights listened, trying to figure out who was within.

            “There. All done.”

            “Really? Let’s see. No you aren’t! You missed this cobweb over here! Get it cleaned up! Hurry!”

            “It’s just a cobweb. Who’s going to notice? We won’t get in trouble.

            “Oh yes we will! You know how Lord Miran feels about spiders! He’ll whip us for sure if you don’t get that cleaned up!”

            “Alright, but what do you mean? How does he feel about spiders?”

            “Don’t you know? He’s afraid of them! He was bit by one when he was very young, and he almost died! Ever since, he’s been scared to death of them! He can’t stand them!”

            “Oh my! I didn’t know.”

            “Well, now you do. Now, we better get to work on our next task, or we’ll be in big trouble! Come on!”

            William and Walter looked at each other. “Just a couple of servants.” said Walter.

            “Slaves, more likely,” replied William. “But did you hear them? Miran’s afraid of spiders!”

            “Yes, I heard. But I don’t see how that’ll help us.” spoke Walter.

            “It might. I have an idea. Do you still have that stuffed spider thingy that you used to scare all those other knights with?” whispered William.

            “Yes, I do.” answered Walter, “But I need to restuff it. But what’s that got to do with –?”

            William spoke cutting Walter off. “I have a plan. Now listen. Here’s what we’ll do . . .”

What is William’s plan? Will it succeed, or will William and Walter be defeated by Miran? Check back Thursday to find out! In the meantime, please comment on my story and vote on whether or not I should post story parts on Saturdays here!

-Sarah 

What's Up With Me

Hi, everyone! Today is Friday, that means an update on what I’ve been doing! So, here are some of the more interesting aspects of my week:

• I had my English midterm today. Was I nervous? Definitely, especially since I didn’t even know I had a midterm before last Monday or so. However, I got 100% on it. (It actually wasn't that bad, I was just surprised since I didn't think that I had midterms.)
• I simultaneously reached my goal for the month of 31 books and finished reading The Silimarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien. The Silimarillion tells about most of the history of Middle Earth from the very beginning to the end of The Lord of the Rings.  If anyone’s thinking of reading it, don’t plan to read it all at once unless you’ve got all day. It is LONG and slightly confusing in spots, although it was fairly interesting.
• I got a new CD player. So, I have been able to listen to a more varied range of music this week. YES!
• We got the comment setting fixed so that everyone can comment! (Hint, hint) Sorry about the inconvenience if you tried to comment earlier.
• It snowed Wednesday night! So, yesterday, my sister and I went out to play in the snow. The highlight of the afternoon was sledding, something that I enjoy, but might not be able to do as easily next year, as my legs are getting so long that we might have to get a new sled that I can fit in comfortably.
• The picture I showed you yesterday did not win anything at the contest, because it was moved to March. Why? The place we meet at was closed because of the snow. Blitherated beetles.

Well, that’s my week, more or less. And now, I have a question of opinion for you. Thus far, I have posted two parts of a story a week, and it seems to be working fine. However, after I finish posting all of Knight’s Quest, I am considering posting a very long story . . . it’s actually long enough to have chapters. So, I am considering changing my schedule so that I post story parts on Saturdays as well. What do you think? You have until Tuesday the 1^st to comment and tell me your opinion. If I get opinions, I’ll consider them. If not, I’ll decide on my own. So, what do you think?
Bye for now!
-Sarah       

    

   

Knight's Quest Part Four

Hi, everyone! I’m back once more, with Part Four of Knight’s Quest, a version that no one else has seen yet, despite the few times I’ve shown it to others. So, I’d really appreciate comments in this section. Not read the first few parts yet? Here are links to part one, part two, and part three. Now, on with the tale!

Part Four

“He . . . He has pointed ears!” whispered Walter “He . . . He’s an elf!”

            The elf had short brown hair, dark green eyes, and carried a bow, a quiver of arrows, and four knives. He was wearing gold armor and a green, brown, and gold mottled cloak. He stepped forward and bowed deeply.

            “Welcome, strangers.” he said, his voice deep and melodious, “I am Sir Shaftson Blackwood, one of the best warriors in the arboreal city of Woodsrovia, second only to her majesty Queen Irene Swiftshaft. I am sorry if I startled you, but I’m afraid it was rather unavoidable. And, yes, I am an elf. In fact the entire population of Woodsrovia is made up of elves. And, being elves, we have excellent hearing.” As Shaftson Blackwood said the last sentence, he was looking straight at Walter.

            “Sorry. I was startled. I just thought elves didn’t exist.” replied Walter, slightly taken aback.

“It is forgiven. Actually, we are rather used to it. It has, as you know, been accepted more or less as fact that elves do not exist. It is actually a lie started by Miran so that people wouldn’t come to us and find out many of his secrets.”

            “What secrets?” asked William and Walter.

            “In due time.” replied Shaftson. “Protocol requires that I first take you to meet Queen Irene, so that she may determine if you are worthy. She is a great judge of character. Follow me, please.” And with that, Sir Shaftson Blackwood turned and walked away, with William and Walter following close behind, though they stumbled quite a bit on the walkway of branches and boards.

Sir Shaftson Blackwood led William and Walter to a spot where the branches above grew thinner and a great amount of sunlight fell upon the lower branches. Here, in this sort of "treetop clearing", Queen Irene Swiftshaft held court. She sat, tall and proud, upon a sort of living throne, a branch that sloped down to make a seat. Her long, brown hair was swept back from her pointed ears, and she wore a flowing gown of green over lightweight, golden chain mail. A golden breastplate with a silver emblem covered her chest. She also wore a long cape, much like Shaftson Blackwood's and had a quiver of arrows slung over her shoulder. At her belt were two double scabbards with knives in them. She turned her gaze upon them and addressed the elf. "Shaftson, why have you brought these knights of Antuindia into our home?"

            Shaftson bowed. "With all due respect, your majesty, they were being chased by scynths. I could not leave them."

            The elven queen seemed to be satisfied, as she spoke now to William and Walter. "What are your names, knights of Antuindia?"

            William and Walter bowed, and William spoke. "I am Sir William of Antuindia, and this is my friend and comrade, Sir Walter. We are-"

            Queen Irene cut them off. "I know why you are here. You seek Miran, who kidnapped the Princess Ariana. I know this, as well as many other things. The elves of Woodsrovia are in no way blind to the goings-on of the rest of Alitene."

            William and Walter both swallowed. "Would you be so kind as to tell us what you know about Miran, your majesty?" Walter asked.

            The queen gazed at the two for a moment. "Humans have not been kind to the elves in the past," she said, half to William and Walter, half to herself, "but the people of Antuindia have never taken part in these dealings. Sir William and Sir Walter, do I have your word that you will not harm any elf, whether of Woodsrovia or another land, unless they first try to harm you?"

            Sir William nodded. "On my honor as a knight of Antuindia, you have my word." Walter said the same, and Queen Irene nodded.

            "You may know. Shaftson, please see to them."

            Shaftson nodded. "As you wish." He bowed, then turned away. "Come, Sir William and Sir Walter. There are more appropriate places to talk than here."

What are Miran’s secrets? Will Sir William and Sir Walter be able to use them to defeat Miran, or will the dragon succeed with his plan after all? You’ll find out soon in Knight’s Quest part five! In the meantime, please comment and tell me what you think of this new part!

-Sarah

Knight's Quest Part Three

Hello, all! I'm back once more, with part three of Knight's Quest! Ready? Read on! Not read parts one and two? Well, click here for part one and here for part two. 

Part Three

William and Walter left Castle Alitene and the city of Antuindia in the early morning, before anyone else was awake. They traveled West in the direction of Miran’s fortress for two days. They traveled carefully, but quickly, stopping only to eat and sleep, for they were crossing open plains. On the evening of the third day, they caught sight of a forest. “What forest is that?” wondered Sir William.

            “I probably knew at some point in my life,” said Sir Walter, “But right now I’m too tired to remember. Let’s make camp here and I’ll tell you in the morning.

            “Alright.” said Sir William, and they made camp. After they finished their dinner of bread and cheese, they crawled into their tents to get some rest. They were asleep before their heads hit the pillows.

            The next day, Sir William and Sir Walter awoke to a warm morning. They broke camp, after eating a breakfast of dried fruit and bread. They had ridden for ten minutes toward the forest before either spoke.

“Shaftwood.” said Sir Walter.

            “What did you say?” inquired Sir William.

“Shaftwood. That’s the name of the forest we’re approaching.” replied Walter.

            “Oh.” spoke William. “Isn’t that forest rumored to be haunted?”

            “Yeah,” answered Walter, “But that’s just an old legend. Besides,” he added nervously, looking behind him, “We have other things to worry about besides ghosts. Much more dangerous things.”

            “You mean Miran?” questioned William.

            “No.” replied Walter “I mean the scynths chasing us!”

            The two knights spurred their horses to a gallop, but the venom spitting, winged–snake like scynths were gaining on them! Suddenly, the scynths shot two streams of extremely poisonous and acidic saliva at the two knights. William and Walter ducked simultaneously, and the jets hit their horses, killing the poor beasts instantly. The two knights jumped off their horses and ran for the woods. They ran for about ten more feet once inside, then came to a roaring river. They were trapped!

            “What now?” shouted Walter, frantically.

            “I don’t know!” yelled back William, just as frantically. Suddenly a rope dropped in front of them. “Grab on!” a voice shouted. They did so, and were pulled up into a treetop city. They looked into the face of their rescuer and gasped.

          

What will happen now? Who had rescued William and Walter? Will William and Walter make it to Miran's fortress and rescue Princess Ariana, or have they just gotten out of the frying pan and into the fire? Check back Thursday to find out! While you wait, please comment and tell me what you think! I always welcome comments!

-Sarah

Update: Part Four is posted! Includes never-before-seen content! 

Knight's Quest Part Two

Hello, all! Ready for more of Knight’s Quest? Well, if you are, you’re in luck, because I’m posting part two today! Are you new, and therefore haven’t read part one? If so, click here for part one. Then you can continue onto today’s part!

King Jonathan and his knights were enjoying a peaceful (and delicious) dinner. Suddenly, the doors of the dining hall burst open and one of the messenger-scouts ran in. Everyone looked up in surprise at seeing someone rush in like this. The man gasped for breath. “The prin-“he broke off, coughing. Sir Walter jumped up and gave the man some water. “What is it? What’s wrong?” he asked.

            The messenger gasped out “The Princess Ariana . . . she’s missing!”

            “What do you mean she is missing?” demanded King Jonathan. “She can’t be missing. I just checked her room ten minutes ago, before we sat down to dinner.”

            “I do not know how, m’lord.” said the messenger. “I only know that she is.” And with that, he fainted from exhaustion.

            Though King Jonathan and his knights tried to keep Princess Ariana’s disappearance quiet, they were not successful. The news was soon known throughout Antuindia, and it caused instant uproar throughout the city. No one had any clue about her mysterious disappearance – until Alexander, who was the Royal Librarian and Record Keeper, found something very interesting in one of his record books.

            “Your majesty,” began Alexander, who was presenting his information to King Jonathan, “Does the name ‘Miran’ mean anything to you?”

            “Miran? Isn’t that the name of that huge, mythological dragon who’s the villain in half the stories the bards around here tell?” replied King Jonathan.

             “Huge, yes; Villain, yes; Dragon, yes; but Mythological, no. He was one of your father’s greatest friends, and later, one of his greatest enemies. He was your father’s most trusted advisor, but when your father announced that you had been born and would be his heir, Miran turned treacherous. He tried to murder both you and your father, but was found out. Rather than face judgment, he ran away and established his own castle on the edge of the land. Everyone thought he was dead and gone about fifty years ago, but now it looks like he’s back.”

That night, King Jonathan gathered his knights, explained the situation, and asked them what they thought should be done. There was a loud clamor as knights shouted their ideas and argued with each other. Suddenly, King Jonathan slammed the butt of his scepter onto the stones of the hall floor. “QUIET!” he yelled. “Now,” he continued in a more reasonable tone, “We’ll hear from you one at a time, please. Sir Lewis, we’ll hear from you first.” An older knight with short salt and pepper hair and beard and sharp brown eyes stepped forward.

            “Your majesty,” he began, “it seems that Miran has us in a stalemate. We must rescue the princess, for she cannot be left in his clutches, but at the same time, we cannot attack Miran’s castle, for he has a great horde, and will likely kill most of us, and the princess if we attack. As for asking a knight to attempt this alone, it is by far too dangerous. I have nothing more to say.” And with that, Sir Lewis sat back down.

            Instantly, a hubbub arose from the crowd as they began shouting and arguing once more. And, once more, King Jonathan was forced to call for quiet. But this time, no one stood up to speak, for no one had any ideas.

But suddenly, a voice came from the depths of the crowd. “I will go.” it said. Everyone gasped. It was Sir William speaking! “I will go.” he repeated. “I ask that no one come with me except it be of their own free will. I will take only one, for this will be dangerous, and I will not risk the lives of more.” He thought back to his last quest, when a plan he had concocted, a plan for many young knights, had failed, and almost all of them had been killed. I cannot let that happen again!  he thought.

Silence. Then, another voice. “I will come with you, William.” It was Sir Walter. For once, his curly brown hair was not bouncing in silent laughter as he moved, and his brown eyes, which were usually laughing, were serious. Dead serious. “I can’t let you go alone, William,” he said. “You’ll need someone to watch your back.”

            “Very well.” replied William, and they both looked at King Jonathan, silently asking his permission.

King Jonathan thought for a moment, and then said “Yes. You may go. But be careful!”

What will happen to Princess Ariana? Will William and Walter be able to rescue her, or will Miran emerge victorious? You’ll find out soon, when the story continues in Part Three of Knight’s Quest! In the meantime, please comment! I’d love to hear what you think of my writing!

-Sarah

Update: For part three, click here. 

Knight's Quest Part One

Hello, everyone! It’s me, Sarah, with the first part of a tale! This is part of Knight’s Quest, otherwise known as The Story That Started It All, since writing this story was what really got me into writing, especially writing fantasy. So, without further ado, here is Knight’s Quest: Part One

Knight’s Quest

Our tale begins in a land far away, and many years ago. It is evening, and the castle inhabitants are excited, for the castle tale - teller has promised to speak tonight . . .

            Lady Aleta Dragondae, the warrior-bardess, walked swiftly though the castle passages. Her sword, a long rapier called ‘Light’ clanked against her side. She took her sword everywhere, for she was a Swordmaiden, or lady knight, though her tales were as ready as her sword. But, tonight, she was a bardess, or storyteller, and she was quite happy about it. She loved telling tales, and tonight, she had a special one planned. She arrived in the grand castle hall just after sunset. She took her seat on a wooden chair, the one she had specially requested be put there, and pushed her long, brown hair back from her face. Her long, rose colored gown that she was wearing over her lightweight chain mail rustled softly as she settled into a comfortable position. She looked at her hundreds of eager listeners and grinned. It seemed like everyone in the castle had come to hear her speak. So, she began.

           

“Sir William was the best knight in all the land, and was King Jonathan of Alitene’s champion knight. He had been on more quests and rescued more fair maidens than any of the other knights. He was handsome, smart, brave, and very gentlemanly. He was always polite and helpful to ladies, and he never hesitated to help others. So, whenever a quest came up that Sir William thought he could accomplish, he volunteered for it. Of course, the quests weren’t always things that he could do alone. So, sometimes Sir William would be part of a team. Whenever he could, he would bring along Sir Walter, who was his best friend, and any other young knights whose skills were well developed, but who were relatively unknown. That is, if they wanted to come. Sir William never forced anyone to come with him. However, there was rarely a person who didn’t want to come. Sir William was the most famous knight in the land. In fact, there was only one person, other than King Jonathan, who was as famous as Sir William. That was Princess Ariana.

            Princess Ariana was the only child of King Jonathan. She was smart, pretty, athletic, and one of the best sword handlers in the entire land of Alitene. Everyone in the land loved her, that is, everyone except the villains she had discovered making trouble and defeated. That made her a prime target for any enemies of King Jonathan who wanted to weaken him, and one enemy in particular. That was Miran, the evil, black dragon who wanted King Jonathan, his family, and all his knights and their families dead.

            Miran gazed out the window of his dark keep, scowling. He glared in the direction of one of the largest cities, Antuindia, the capitol city of Alitene, ruled by Jonathan, the king who had kept Miran off the throne for so long. But, Miran thought, he would overcome Jonathan, and rule the land, and he had a plan to do it. No one would stop him. No one.

        What is Miran’s plan? Will he succeed in taking the throne of Antuindia? To find out, check back Thursday, when I’ll post Part Two of this tale. Also, check back tomorrow for a review of Wayne Thomas Batson’s latest book, The Sword in the Stars.

-Sarah

Update: Click here for the part two of Knight's Quest!