“Don’t pay any attention to him,” Reece said to Thor, loudly enough to be heard. “You did nothing wrong. They sent you to Canyon duty because they see potential in you. They want to toughen you up or else they wouldn’t bother. You’re also in their sights because my father singled you out. That’s all.”
“But what is Canyon duty?” he asked.
Reece cleared his throat, looking anxious.
“I’ve never been on it myself. But I’ve heard stories. From some of the older kids, and from my brothers. It is patrol duty. But on the other side of the Canyon.”
“The other side?” O’Connor asked, terror in his voice.
“What do you mean ‘the other side?’” Thor asked, not understanding.
Reece studied him.
“Have you never been to the Canyon?”
Thor could feel the others looking at him, and he shook his head, self-conscious.
“You’re kidding,” Elden snapped.
“Really?” O’Connor pressed. “Not once in your life?”
Thor shook his head, reddening. “My father never took us anywhere. I’ve heard of it.”
“You’ve probably never been outside your village, boy,” Elden said. “Have you?”
Thor shrugged, silent. Was it that obvious?
“He hasn’t,” Elden added, incredulous. “Unbelievable.”
“Shut up,” Reece said. “Leave him alone. That doesn’t make you any better than him.”
Elden sneered at Reece and raised his hand briefly to his scabbard; but then relaxed it. Apparently, even though he was bigger than Reece, he didn’t want to provoke the king’s son.
“The Canyon is the only thing keeping our kingdom of the Ring safe,” Reece explained. “Nothing else stands between us and the hordes of the world. If the savages of the Wilds were to breach it, we would all be finished. The entire Ring looks to us, the King’s men, to protect them. We have patrols guarding it all the time—mostly on this side, and occasionally, on the other. There is only one bridge across, only one way in or out, and the most elite of The Silver stand watch around-the-clock.”
Thor had heard of the Canyon his entire life, had heard horrifying stories of the evils that lurked on the other side, the massive evil empire that surrounded the Ring, and how close they all lived to terror. It was one of the reasons why he had wanted to join the King’s Legion: to help protect his family and his kingdom. He hated the idea that other men were out there, constantly protecting him while he lived comfortably in the arms of the kingdom. He wanted to do his service and help fight off the evil hordes. He could imagine nothing braver than those men who guarded the Canyon passageway.
“The Canyon is a mile wide, and surrounds the entire Ring,” Reece explained. “It is not easy to breach. But of course our men are not the only thing keeping the hordes at bay. There are millions of those creatures out there, and if they wanted to overrun this Canyon, by sheer force of will, they could in a moment. Our manpower only helps supplement the energy shield of the Canyon. The real power that keeps them at bay is the power of the Sword.”
Thor turned. “The Sword?”
Reece looked at him.
“The Destiny Sword. You know the legend?”
“This country rube probably never even heard of it,” Elden chimed in.
“Of course I know it,” Thor snapped back, defensive. Not only did he know it, but he had also spent many days pondering the legend throughout his life. He had always wanted to see it. The fabled Destiny Sword, the magical sword whose energy protected the Ring, filled the Canyon with a potent force that protected the Ring from invaders.
“The sword lives in King’s Court?” Thor asked.
Reece nodded.
“It has lived amongst the royal family for generations. Without it, the kingdom would be nothing. The Ring would be overrun.”
“If we are protected, then why bother patrol the Canyon at all?” Thor asked.
“The Sword only blocks the major threats,” Reece explained. “A small and isolated evil creature can slip in here and there. That is why our men are needed. A single being could cross the Canyon, or even a small group of them—they might be so bold as to try to cross the bridge, or they may act with stealth and climb down the Canyon walls on one end and up on the other. It is our job to keep them out. Even one creature can cause a lot of damage. Years ago, one slipped in and murdered half the children of a village before he was caught. The Sword does the bulk of the work, but we are an indispensable part.”
Thor took it all in, wondering. The Canyon seemed so grand, their duty so important, he could hardly believe that he would be part of this great purpose.
“But even with all that, I haven’t explained it very well,” Reece said. “There’s more to the Canyon than just that,” he said, then fell silent.
Thor looked at him and saw something like fear or wonder in his eyes.
“How can I explain it?” Reece said, struggling for the proper words. He cleared his throat. “The Canyon is far bigger than all of us. The Canyon is…”
“The Canyon is a place for men,” came a resounding voice.
They all turned at the sound of the voice, the stamp of a horse.
Thor could not believe it. There, trotting up beside them, bedecked in full chainmail, with long gleaming weapons hanging over the side of his incredible horse, was Erec. He smiled down at them, keeping his eyes fixed on Thor.
Thor looked up, in shock.
“It is a place that will make you a man,” Erec added, “if you are not one already.”
Thor had not seen Erec since his jousting match, and felt so relieved at his presence, to have a real knight here with them as they headed for the Canyon—no less, Erec himself. He felt invincible having him, and prayed he was coming with them.
“What are you doing here?” Thor asked. “Are you accompanying us?” he asked, hoping he didn’t sound too eager.
Erec leaned back and laughed.
“Not to worry, young one,” he said. “I’m going with you.”
“Really?” Reece asked.
“It is tradition for a member of The Silver to accompany members of the Legion on their first patrol. I volunteered.”
Erec turned and looked down at Thor.
“After all, you helped me yesterday.”
Thor felt his heart warm, buoyed by Erec’s presence. He also felt lifted up in the eyes of his friends. Here he was, being accompanied by the greatest knight of the kingdom, as they headed towards the Canyon. Much of his fear was falling away.
“Of course, I shall not go out on patrol with you,” Erec added. “But I will lead you across the bridge, and to your camp. It will be your duty to venture out on patrol, alone, from there.”
“It is a great honor, sire,” Reece said.
“Thank you,” O’Connor and Elden echoed.
Erec looked down at Thor and smiled.
“After all, if you’re going to be my first squire, I can’t let you die just yet.”
“First?” Thor asked, his heart skipping a beat.
“Feithgold