Jasper County Democrat, Volume 14, Number 5, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 April 1911 — Page 2

The Kinght of the Silver Star

A ItamsEßC® ©lf UhmsendkiEid)

By PERCY BREBNER

CHAPTER V. raFTER sunset was my fate to be settled, and the long wa.ltBSSS3 Ing and uncertainty were terrible. When darkness came lights were brought, slow burning torches, which were fixed In rings In the wall, and more food and wine, which caused O’Ryan to say a good word for our captor’s hospitality. 1 could not eat. I was too anxiously listening for steps approaching our prison. "I don’t like all this commotion, Verrall,” O’Ryan said, stopping suddenly In front of me. “You think it a bad sign?” "I know no more than you do, but it’s afl well to be prepared.” "What can we do?” “Little enough, but when they come up stop them before the room is full. Hold up your arm in a commanding manner and ask their decision. Look as if you had the power to call thunder and lightning down upon them.” “And then?” I asked. “If they have decided against you we’ll go for them. Seize a torch, dash it in their faces, get hold of a sword if possible; but, anyway, tight like demons let loose—in fact, get killed this way rather than get tied up to die in the square there later on.” “Right,” I said. “Hush! They are coming.” I took up my position close to one torch, and O'Ryan stood by another. The doors were thrown open, and the priests were on the threshold, armed men and servants carrying lights behind them. I assumed as commanding an attitude as I could and said in a loud voice: “You have been long in coming. What has your study taught you?” One priest, a chief among them, but not the one who had questioned me yesterday, stepped forward. “Through the night and through the day have we studied, and we know that you are the true knight.” I bowed, and O’Ryan whispered “Good business” as he bent his knee before me. It sounded a strange solecism and nearly upset my .gravity. "Tonight is a vigil,” continued the priest. “Tomorrow the most valorous In deeds shall buckle on your harness and your sword. See you be a faithful knight Attend your master,” he added to O’Ryan. We formed in procession, and as we left the hall the priests began to chant a weird melody. We went down a long wide corridor which was lined with soldiers and at the end, descending a flight of steps, entered a chapeL

“TONIGHT IS A VIGIL. SEE TOD BE A FAITHFUL KNIGHT.”

O'Ryan was not allowed to follow me. I went in with the priests alone, and the doors were closed. The chapel was full of knights standing, and at one sid'e I saw the princess, who rose from her seat as I entered. Two priests led me to the foot of the steps on which the altar stood, and b/ the altar was the chief priest, he who questioned me yesterday. As soon as I had knelt he began to chant a prayer, a kind of litany, in which the other priests joined. The litany ended, there was a chant in praise of the Being who ruled man’s destiny, and other prayers, all chanted, followed. Then the chief priest, standing before the altar, faced me" and began a long exhortation to me. I was instructed to lay aside all the wickedness in me and during the night of vigil to prepare myself for my great mission. Other knights had kept the vigil and had beefl faithful, but I was different to other knights in that by special command of Khrym, who ruled the destinies of the land, I had come to bring victory to the cause of right and to’stamp out ail vileness. —— -= “Through your day, Sir Knight, be faithful and when your evening tomes lie down under the shadow of the great mountain. Sunset and sunrise shall not disturb your slumber until one mom sunrise kissing the mighty hills shall awaken you in a new land

where warriors rest and sunset come* not”

All night long I knelt before the altar, keeping my vigil, I welcomed the first light of dawn that crept into the chapel and began to listen for coming footsteps. > At last a flourish of trumpets sounded. The doors were opened, and I was led by the priests into the council hall where the knights were assembled. They welcomed me with a salute of drawn swords, and those who had been chosen beforehand, all men valiant in arms, buckled on my harness until I stood clothed in complete steel. On my breast was a raised device, a star in silver, and a like star was upon my helmet. With a shout the knights accepted me as a comrade in arms. This ceremony over, we left the hall, and in the courtyard horses were being led by pages. O'Ryan stood beside mine, and I noticed that he had a serviceable sword at his side.

“All goes well,” he whispered as I mounted, and a look of relief came into his face when he saw that I knew how to manage a horse. Through the gates we went to the camp. A large body of soldiers was drawn up in an open space, evidently awaiting our coming, and as we approached Princess Daria came toward us. Being instructed by one of my comrades, I dismounted and went to meet her, and. drawing my sword, I gave it to her, holding It by the blade and presenting to her the hilt. She took it from me and as I knelt laid it lightly across my left shoulder, saying: “Rise, Sir Knight, Knight of the Silver Star. Thrice welcome are you. See you be a faithful knight” She returned me the sword, and although I had not been told to do so I kissed it before I sheathed it She smiled, and Count Vasca, who stood beside her, frowned. What did his frown signify now? We were both knights! . It was a day of rejoicing in the town and in the camp. Much feasting was there, and in a great hall the knights sat down to revelry. The comrade who had Instructed me in the morning sat beside me, and I soon found that he hated the count—or, as he called him, Vasca. Knight of the Red Cloud. Each knight had some such distinctive title, my comrade’s being Walen, Knight of the Black Stone. "Yasca rules the feast.” he said. “He would like to rule the land!” “You do not love him?” I asked. “I know him for a valiant soldier,” was the careful answer.

“And are there many who love him^”

“We are equally divided, else Vasca would not rule the feast as he does tonight.”

The count had risen not too steadily to propose a new toast, when, without any warning, the doors were thrown open, and the princess entered. The knights stood up in surprise. Never before, so I learned, had she honored such a banquet She advanced to the head of the table, and, calling for a cup of wine, held it at arm’s length. “Your princess gives you a toast: To the Knight of the Silver Star." Every cup was drained, and the princess left the hall. The count resumed his seat a black scowl upon his face, and the feast was ended. The two parties were more distinct than ever, for, while some of the knights left the hall with me, others gathered round Vasca, looking as angry as he did. “The princess has made him your enemy for all time,” said Walen.

“The silver star shall shine through the red cloud,” I said.

“And there are swords in plenty to help,” said one, drawing his weapon a little and sending it home again with a clash.

“Swords in plenty,” they said in chorus.

Quarters overlooking the square were assigned to me and my esquire, O’Ryan. I had sought adventure, and certainly I had found it. I paid assiduous attention to my military duties in the camp, looked sharply after the men who were my especial charge and in my leisure hours took lessons from O’Ryan in the manipulation of a sword. I knew something of the art of fencing, but it assisted me little in sword exercise as understood by my worthy esquire. The days passed into weeks slowly, yet not monotonously. I Worked hard in the camp and with O’Ryan perfecting myself in the use of the weapons of the Drussenlanders. I returned from a council one day more anxious than usual. On entering my apartments I found O’Ryan waiting for me impatiently. “You look depressed. You have heard the news?” “What news?” I asked. “That a tournament is to be held in your honor,” “No. I have heard nothing of it.” “It’s bad news, Verrall; the first conspiracy against you,” said O’Ryan. “They are going to put you to the test too soon for my liking.” “Tell me all about, it,” I said. “They were full of it in the courtyard this morning, 1, O’Ryan answered. “Faith, you were not wanting in supporters, I admit, and I had to bluster with the best of them to keep up appearances, but it was a heavy heart I had, Verrall. Vasca is at the bottom of it. He will challenge you ‘and makes no secret of his opinion that you are an impostor and that you will go down before his skill like a dead branch lopped off by the storm.” CHAPTER yi. rST he is Probably right” 1 I /A. answered. BBSS “Of course he is. I don’t tggjffsl doubt your pluck, Verrall, but you’ve had no practice.” “Therefore there can be no dishonor.” “Sure, It’s not the honor or chshonof rm thinking of: it’s the result A

knight fltot from Khrym has gtt ho right to bite the. dust at his first encounter, and as sure as you do you won't have a friend among the lot of them.” “A cheerful outlook,” I said,, with a forced laugh. “What shall we fight with—awprds?” "Lances—a fierce charge across the arena, and then”— "Dust biting,” I suggested. "It’s no jesting matter. This Vasca, I hear, has never been worsted, and it’s no light game he’ll play at thin tournament, I warrant/ If he can put an ! end to yonr adventure, my boy, he will. Have you ever used a lance?” “I have learned how to handle one | since I came here.” “But have yon ever charged at any- ! thing with it?” i “No” "Then you don’t know what a devil’s toy it is to play with. There’s only one thing to be done—we must get out of it somehow.” “When Is this tournament to be?” “At once, tomorrow or the next day. It is only for the princess to decide.” “There is a court tonight.” O’Ryan nodded. “Come, man, lighten your heart a little. We’re not tied to the posts in the square yet.” “It’s a question of time. I’m thinking. I’d feel a deal safer in Yadasara.” To say that I had no plan in my mind when I attended court that night would be untrue. I was a late arrival upon a more than usually brilliant scene. Here in Drussenland it was much the same as at home, more color and freedom than there would be at such a function in the old country, perhaps, bnt the same foundation to both—political intrigue and personal Interest. The first man I encountered was Walen. “I have been waiting for you,” he said. “There is mischief brewing. It hangs in the air tonight. Vasca and some of his party have been pressing round the princess ever since she came In.” “And shells pleased with such attention?” I asked. “I could read neither pleasure nor displeasure in her face. Few can read her, Verrall, if she chooses that they shall not.” “That is true. Even a princess cannot help being a woman.” “Vasca has a persuasive tongue, and he Ls her kinsman. That couhts for something.” “For much, my dear Walen. It is difficult to refuse a kinsman, and kinsmen, knowing this, take advantage and ask hard things. I will learn more of tliis intrigue.” “And speak carefully,” he cautioned. "Much depends upon your caution.” Who could know that better than I did? Were confirmation needed it came in the many glances directed toward me as I made my way to the top of the hall where Princess Daria was: “Sir Verrall!” It was a woman who called me as I was making my way through the crowd, and I could not refuse to answer her beckoning finger. She was standing, one of a little group of damqs and cavaliers, tricked out most tastefully, leaders of fashion in the court of Princess Daria. I knew the woman, as meddlesome a little vixen ns existed. "Is what we hear true?” she asked ns, bowing low, I joined the party. “Who would dare to speak anything l>ut the truth to the Lady Aldrida?” “As ready as ever with words. Sir Verrall,” said a young jackanapes, a Drussenland type of Piccadilly lounger. I cannot better describe him. "And deeds, too. Sir Knight, if deeds are called for,” I answered, touching the hilt of my sword. “You are quick to take offense where none was intended.” “I am a soldier first, a courtier afterward,” I answered. “Pardon my shortcomings.” “Is it true, then?” said Lady Aldrida. “I was afraid we were to be disappointed.” “I should grieve to disappoint you. Will you tell me what is expected of Dtf?” •‘lt is whispered that there is to be a grand tournament and that you are to hold the field against all comers. Since we have never seen your prowess, is it wonderful that we are excited?” and she laughed. ;

■“I have heard nothing of it,” I answered. “But if a word from me can save you disappointment, Lady Aldrida, be assured it shall be spoken.” “I would offer you my scarf as a token, Sir Verrall, had I not a knight to be jealous.” “Say rather a hundred, Lady Aldrida, or you do yourself a grave injustice.” “A sword as keen as your wit should insure success. Yet how few excel in both!” I made my way as quickly as I could toward the princess. The priest Jasar was beside her; so was Count Vasca. There was a look of annoyance in her face, which was banished by a smile as I approached. “You come at a convenient time. Sir Verrall,” she said, giving me her hand to kiss. “Your name is on every lip tonight, it seems.” “I rejoice, your highness, if I am fairly spoken of.” “I would call to account any man who spoke otherwise of the Knight of the Silver Star,” said Vasca. “I have been suggesting a brave display, Sir Verrall,” he went on airily, as though we had been the greatest of friends, “a display tp make vonng hearts beat with pleasure and bright eyes sparkle with excitement. The princess has not yet given her consent. Will yon not add your persuasion to mine?” “You have worked in secret, Count Vasca, or my persuasion should have

seconded yours before this. Is it true that you would have me keep the field against all comers? Surely you do me too much honor.”

“Do you desire this mimic combat. Sir VerraU?” asked the princess. “Most heartily, your highness. Yet why should I be so honored to destroy the delight of so many? To hold the field against so many gallant warriors were impossible. Let me succeed once, twice—a doaen times. Still I am but human and my arm can feel fatigue. How say you, Count Vasca? Young hearts beat highest when young lovers do bravely. Let lovers break a lance for those they love, and since few hearts hold me dear enough to beat the faster at my coming you and 1 will break a lance for honor’s sake.” “A challenge! A challenger’ said some about us.

It may have been fancy, but I thought the princess paled a little. “It is bravely spoken,” said Jasar, and his eyes turned from me to the princess. “May I venture to persuade your highness in this matter?’ I said, bowing low before her. Rather unwillingly she gave her consent I should have been better pleased had she withheld It.

“I accept the challenge. No love creeps into our combat, Sir VerraU. You have so willed it. Let it be for honor.”

The news that the challenge had been given and accepted passed like magic through the hall. At any rate,

“FOR HONOR AND FOR THB APPROVAL OF MY PRINCESS.”

I had only one man to fight. c That was better than having a dozen, one after the other. I remained beside the princess. “You have chosen a strong adversary,” she said in a low tone. “I had no alternative, your highness. I had to accept or give the challenge. I preferred to give it. Have I offended you?’ “You have not offended me.” “You have heard nothing of this projected tournament until tonight?” “I heard of it today from my esquire.” She exchanged a quick glance with the priest which I could not read. I did not understand her weU; the priest I did not understand at aU. “Sir VerraU, you have my good wishes. The test is one I would not willingly have put you to.” “Your good wishes are a sure armor, your highness,” I said, stooping to pick up the handkerchief she dropped. Our eyes met as our hands touched over the handkerchief which I held to her. A look in them gave me courage. “Add only this favor,” I said. “Let me keep this handkerchief as my token.”

“You fight for honor, Sir Verrall,” she answered quickly. “For honor and for the approval of my princess.” She turned from me with a heightened color and, with Jasar, joined her suit, but she left the handkerchief in my hand. (To be continued.)

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KING, No. 6433 SHIRE STALLION KING is a dark, dapple bay stallion, 16 hands, and weighs 1,500 at present time. He was foaled May 21, 1900; bred by C. M. Moots, Normal, 'nii-i V iWMriif’M 1 * IH- Sire, Allerton AiißaaAil»k xo. 3008 t,ssß2); Dam. jL,ula 5888, tMMrsSw®nPOW iWSI' b >' Conqueror IX, 27SS (7051). Stand, Terms and Conditions —KING will make the season of 1911 at my farm, 1-2 mile west and 1-2 mile north of Gifford, at SIO.OO to insure colt to stand and suck. Service money becomes due and payable at once on owner parting with mare; product of mare held good for service. Not responsible for accidents. SCHOLL &. TOOMBS, Owners.

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