The Return of The Kneeling Knight
The Atmosphere of spiritual ambiance thick in the air surrounded the pastor of his church. Pastor Roger, A middle aged man of the cloth in his casual attire of blue jeans, black shoes, stood at his alter, his bible opened to scriptures, turning each page as he read deep in study of the words. His cup of hot herbal tea at arm reach, focused so heavily on key words, he extended his hand to grab the cup’s handle, lifting the cup up to his mouth, the aroma of steam smelled of rose hips leaves. Then taking a sip of the hot tea, he drank the soothing drink satisfied to his soul, placing the cup back down onto the alter, as he continued his study.
A sudden noise of cracking sounds echoed through the room, as he looked up from his bible, but sees nothing. His head lowers back to his reading, as turns yet another page.
Another louder sound coming from the end of the room…once again, he looks up but this time his attention upon the stain glass window of ancient era times of knights.
Something not quite right with the depiction image, a distortion of some sort , he left his alter stepped forward, stopped in front to view a closer look at the glass image.
Focused on a slightly different position of the multi colored depiction, from the last few minutes ago. He sees the knight’s glass face slowly turning to him, in disbelief, his eyes began to widen. Then hearing another sharper sound coming from the end of the room once again, he turned to face toward the sound, swallowing hard he walks toward the noise of more
clinking of stone breaking to see just a few feet away, the effigy of an ancient knight coming alive, rose to sit up from the top, look straight at him, the pastor nearly frozen in disbelief, eyes in terror, he sees the knight engaging with sword in gauntlet hand, stands up ready to engage in combat with him as the knight began taking steps toward the pastor, swing his sword at him.
Pastor Roger, in never felt before fear, began taking backward steps to safety. “No! STAY AWAY FROM ME!!! LORD HELP ME!
“ He swiftly turns around, managing to run from the knight in escape, running quickly back toward his alter as he straightly plunges his run into the arms of Pastor Connor Drake, as Connor nearly snatching him in safety, Detective Liam Niles, by his side, Liam, quickly observing the reaction, places his robust arms in aid in helping Pastor Connor to calm him as he sees his unusual plight of frenzy,
Pastor Roger grasped Connor tighter. “ He’s after me!”
Pastor Connor addressed him in reason. “Calm down Roger!
Who is after you?!”
Pastor Roger addressed him back, “The knight! He’s after me!” His tighter grip onto Connor.
Pastor Connor, looks at Liam.
Liam looks at Connor in logic.
Connor, looks at him in puzzlement. “What knight? What do mean? I don’t see anyone else in this room but the three of us.”
Pastor Roger, admonishes with continued grip. “Don’t you see it? The knight?! He is right behind me!” He turns his head sharply to see in back of them, but only sees a room with the same effigy in stone tribute as it were earlier. He turns back around to Connor.
Pastor Connor, remains calm. “You see my friend, there is no knight after you to see.”
Pastor Roger in disbelief. “What has happened? This is trickery! I saw the knight with my own eyes. I tell you. He was alive and after me!” He turned to look at the effigy again. No movement.
Liam, walked over to the effigy to investigate, stopped at the long rectangular carved statue, ever so carefully placed his hand upon the cold stone depiction. No movement. Looks back at the two of them. Comes walking back to them.
Pastor Connor with compassion. “Roger, my friend, you have been under a lot of strain lately, the reason for our meeting.”
Roger’s wife enters, takes her husband in care.
Pastor Connor takes Liam’s arm, taking him to the side with him. ”We have much to discuss. For months his congregation, his flock has dwindled, their finances drop below what they can afford. And No, It is not his fault, he speaks the truth.”
Liam, looks at Connor in squinted eyes. “Deception of the mind? Is he taking any medications? Has he been ill lately hallucinations from the drugs perhaps?”
Pastor Connor Drake sighs. “ Not that I’m aware of.” He is a most clean pastor I have ever seen.”
Liam, “Right. His wife is with him now. Must get back to my duties.”
Breyen Niles, running after her and Devon’s baby boy.
“William Devon Connor Drake Niles, you come back here right now! I haven’t even done your pants Yet!”
William runs off toward down the long corridor in his underpants, then up to his grandfather.
Detective Liam Niles, just from the corner, grabs his grandson with his hands, scooping him up into his arms.” ‘Oi, and what do we have here? Oh, that’s right. Me grandson. And how are you doing little fella?”
Breyen goes to Liam, taking her son back into her arms, as he squirms of bursting energy. ”If this keeps up he will out grown his clothes in no time and still be running around in his knickers.”
Liam grins his dimples. “ Devon was the same. He will out grow it.”
Breyen, lovingly holds his little hand. “ I’d wish I could say the same for my little sister Brandy. My father and mother are going through a rough time with her as teens do. It seems she been caught up in trying hard to help them out in their finances, but with her introvertness, has trouble herself always trying to do right thing to help. Sometimes goes wrong. “
Liam, with compassion. “Yes, Connor and I have just been from your parents church. Everything will be alright. Your father, Pastor Roger is a great Pastor. Be sure to let them know if I need any kind of help, ok?”
Breyen, seeing Wiiliam rub his tired eyes..” I will. Must get back, it’s his nap time.”
Liam, smiles at her, kisses his grandson.
Breyen, walks away.
Liam, thinks over what she said.
Lady Tauna Drake Niles, satisfied when after taking her last bite of breakfast, makes her way to her duties of her new title. In her walk down the corridor, her walking stride in happiness, her face glowed with joy, her thoughts in her mind of her family, especially the love of her life, Liam Niles and their son’s family.
As she approaches the chancel, an unusual looking object appears in the corner of the room as she slowed down to take a closer look. An object that appeared to looked like the same effigy as Sir John Drake. In questionable mind, she crept closer to see it was indeed him. Then the image began to morph into another shape. She instantly pulled back in freaked out frenzy as it rapidly changed in the form of Sir Knight Liam Niles, his body deceased on a slab of cold stone, then his body slowly declining, changing, morphing in his own stoned effigy. Her frightened eyes suddenly grew wide as she went straight to him as if she tried to prevent his demise in infinity, taking her hands upon his effigy, he began to disappear like cold stone.
She then taking her fists, slamming them unto his image of what he used to be, she tried to rescue him. “LIAM NOOO!!!”
She was loosing the battle. Looking around for a fire stick, she grabbed it quickly, taking it to the effigy, taking the fire stick, raised it above her head, then whammed it across his stoned body, once again and again she raised it up into the air, once again bashing the fire stick hard onto the stoned image, pieces beginning to chip and break off, then bigger pieces as she continued in her teary eyes stance of fear, losing the battle. “Liam!! COME BACK TO ME!!!!”
A tall man grabbing her from behind, pulling her away.”Tauna, stop it! Bloody Hell, What are you doing little girl?!?”
Tauna, in agony, turns to see Liam, grabs onto him in clinging desperation, never letting go. “Liam! Don’t leave me!! Don’t leave me!!” She cried hard. Her tightly claw like fingers clutching his trench coat.
Liam putting her in his arms, not letting go. ”Calm down Tauna. You’re ok Little girl I’m here love. I’m here. Now. Tell me what happened.”
Tauna looked at him, not letting go. “You were being slowly encased into your own effigy. I was trying to break you free!”
She sobbed uncontrollable.
Liam, taking a look brief look at the broken pieces, but sees only a smashed set of vases. “ That was no effigy. But you just bashed the crap out of your mothers vase you just smashed up.”
Tauna, starting to calm, turns to sees for herself, broken glass on top the shelf, with stems of bent roses barely still alive.
“Oh Liam I just destroyed my mother’s birthday gift from my father. What happened to me?”
Liam, in loving care, caressed her arm. “I don’t know love. But we will find out.”
Tauna, layed her head onto his chest in comfort.
Detective Liam Niles, stood by in observance of Inspector Crouse in his duty as the inspector began to walk by him.
Liam stood vigilant. “Inspector Crouse….the answer please.
What was put in Pastor Roger’s tea and Tauna’s drink?”
Inspector Crouse, halt next to him with respect. “Detective Niles, Liam. Sir Niles.”
Liam sighs. “Inspector Crouse, I am still Detective Niles, by my continued oath to Pastor Drake of the Chapel, still stands. My newly title of Sir Knight has not diminished that fact. You know as well as I that someone infiltrated this chapel. But who? ”
Inspector Crouse, stood in correction to him. “Or you mean, what kind of beast has come to roam these corridors and for what reason.” Liam, my old friend, and you know as well as I, if I knew all the answers, I would not hesitate to divulge it to you. But this I know. You may be the new Sir Knight Niles of this chapel, but your heart is of father’s legacy as detective and your Brother Trey follows suit right behind you as younger brothers do. Liam. In my oath as inspector. I dare not say what I found to you or anyone, you know that our oath as detectives. But as you are my dear friend and colleague. Tell this to no one. I’ve never seen anything like it. No clues left behind. No signs of Breaking and entering. No finger prints on anything, nothing. Except this.” He pulled out a small clear ziplock bag showing him the White powder in it. “This was found from your kitchen floor. I will have it analyzed. This beast that roams among these castle walls knew exactly what it is doing. My strict advice to you, keep watch. Now, my
friend, I must leave now. I will return in a few days with the answer.”
Liam, veers at him. “Thank you, Inspector Crouse, for that most, insightful answer. I shall take it from here. I will inform the bureau.”
Inspector Crouse, placed his hand onto Liam’s shoulder. “Of course my friend. you know what to do with your keen deduction. Welcome back.” He smiled, then left the premises.
Liam’s look of decisive conclusion as he turned to walk out of the room, then in his British swag walk down the long corridor toward a door with the wooden plague of the words,
‘chancery’, he halt facing the rare used door of the medieval times. Placing his hand over the knob, he turned the handle as the door opened for him to see the inside room of the ancient medievalism. Taking his steps inside, he laid his sight on his trench coat covering one arm length of the knight’s suit of armor that stood in attendance as if on active duty of his service to the king. The trench coat he had left behind nearly six months earlier, to become Sir Knight Liam Niles. But the time has come to resume his duty once again, as he gazed his eyes upon his long coat jacket in remembrance of his past assignments and his duty of honor for which it still stood, as he began taking the trench coat into his hands from the knight’s armor, and once again placing it back onto his own body. As he began to button up each button from top to bottom, he is reminded of his oath in service to Pastor Connor Drake. As he turns back to the open door, in an old mirror, he stood to see himself in his honorable self return recognition, to his self recommission as once again, Detective Liam Niles, in active duty, is back for his mission to find out who is
invading Chivalry Chapel. Taking up his sword from the top of Sir Knight John Drake’s effigy where he had placed before, he turns from the mirror to leave back to active duty, as he closes the chancery door, then walking in stride back toward his duty in service.
Lady Tauna, also on her way to her duties as Lady of Chivalry Chapel, seeing Liam in his trench coat trademark as detective returned, her modestly joy face turned into puzzlement question, as she slowed her walking pace toward him, then stopped in place, not sure of what she sees.
Liam, seeing her with understanding eyes, slows his pace to a halt. His loving eyes upon her as gent, he gently went to her, then in front of her questionable eyes. “Little girl, MY love, please understand, Inspector Crouse has informed me of an unknown entity that roams these corridor somewhere in these castle walls.
Tauna, stood still quiet in listening contently, her stare of preparing for what is to come, her loving view upon him.
Liam, came closer hovering over her in sincere eyes. ”I must do this. I must come back to nab this beast before he comes to destroy what we have built together. Our son that we have beget, our grandson that now runs his playground of these hallways in his bare feet. How could I not defeat this unknown entity while it lurks, as it seeks to devour us. My love, I must protect my family and fortress once again. I must come back to defeat it as detective.” He gazed lovingly in her eyes for her consent as Lady Drake.
Tauna, giving him back his gaze to hers, lay her loving hand of reassurance gently upon his face. “My vows to you still stand since the day I met you. Don’t you ever forsake me.”
Liam, reciprocating a warm dimpled smile back to her, he takes her hand, kissing upon it. “ Never, have I ever or will forsake you, little girl. Lady Tauna Marie Drake Niles, my wife, my love of my life.”
Tauna, with a kind smile of approval upon him. “Now. Go get this dragon beast, my detective knight.”
Liam hovering over her more with tender kisses upon her lips.
Pastor Connor Drake, in his hands of work, comes out of his office nearly fumbling papers from his hands, stopped to see their affection.
Liam with Tauna, looked at him.
Pastor Connor, with his view upon them. “I see you two are at it again. Oh and Liam, son, congratulations on your recommission. The return of our Detective Liam Niles. And another thing. The police department has informed me of the recurrence of Dayn McConol. Apparently he has knowledge of this beast. Keep watch he does not reenter into my church as he has threaten to by this evening. If he shows again, do what you will to him.” He salutes him, goes back into his room.
Liam, unamused at the news.
Tauna, in apprehension. “It’s one thing about our villain, but this is for sure. It was a dreaded thing seeing you on that stone table effigy. Never want to see that again.”
Liam, turned to her in highlight. “Right you are there. And you have just given me a brilliant idea.”
Dayn, came walking in the foyer, stops.
Tauna, just coming in for her duties, sees him, suddenly stops to ponder.
Dayn stood in place. “Miss Tauna Drake. We meet once again.”
Tauna, staying in place. “Dayn McConol. I didn’t think you survived the last fight with my husband. And you will address me as Lady Tauna Drake.”
Dayn, in surprise mode. “Lady Drake? Well done Tauna. Your father must be proud of this achievement. And how is your mother these days?”
Tauna, in caution. “What is it this time that you want, slithering around my castle, the snake that you are. And while my dearly departed husband who just became deceased from his too deep of wounds from battle last night, he is in there, the sanctuary room, laying on his own effigy stone. And I his wife am about ready to pay my last respects to a man I love so much. How dare you come into my presence on a day like this, you vile man.” She snapped at him.
Dayn squinted his disbelieving eyes. “What do you mean, departed?”
Tauna every so slowly, stepped closer to him. “ You should be lucky that I’m still lady enough to direct you into my late husband’s presence to say goodbye. But very well then.
Come, see for your self.” She escorted him. Opened the sanctuary door, walking inside, continued her casual, but
dreary pace until she approached the block of stone alter, his body lay straight and still, his hands lay across his body.
Dayn, following her inside, keeping pace stood by her side seeing for himself, the body of a one time much daring detective, now rests in peace in his own demise. She looked at him. “You see he is there. Now, I request of you to give him your last respects that is well deserve.”
Dayn, unrepentant. “Forgive me Lady Tauna. I am sorry for your sorrow of your departed husband, but you must understand that he finally met his match, losing his life in the battle. But I deeply feel your pain in my condolences. But also to remind you of your father’s previous agreement of our prearranged marriage. And now that he is gone, there is nothing to keep us from it now. And I have the secret knowledge to the one that has roamed these hallways. I can snatch this beast as it comes soon.”
Tauna, with sly galances at him. “Very well then. But only after your lay your hand of oath upon my dear departed husband in acknowledgement to him that you are ready to take over as he once was, as it were, as beneficiary of Chivalry Chapel from his establishment.”
Dayn, veered quickly at her. “His Establishment?”
Tauna looked at him straight. “Yes. My father gave him half ownership as he so deserved after he fought King Edwin and won me back making me his wife, as reward.”
Dayn, amused. “Did he?”
Tauna, cracked a sly smile. “Yes. You are the perfect fit. Go on, place you hand upon him. Say your vow of oath to him.”
Dayn, with a sly smirk, steps up to Detective Liam Niles body, ever so slowly taking his hand, lays it upon his body his chest of oath to him. “There you go old mate. Don’t worry. Just as I have told you in the beginning when you first came. I will have Chivalry Chapel, Lady Tauna, will take my hand in marriage. Just like it should have been.
All….those…..years….ago. And now it is my rightful duty from Sir Blackwood’s coat of arms to take your place. Don’t worry. I have come this far. I have it all…planned ….out. You see. The beast within these castle walls will strike just as I ordered it too.”
Tauna quickly veered at Dayn with serious acknowledgement.
Dayn reshifted his pose. “ I now declare Chivalry Chapel as my own to claim, at this moment- right now.” He slyly grinned.
Tauna, gazing upon Liam.
Suddenly, Liam directly opened his eyes, moved out of position, quickly taking his strong hands to grip Dayn’s arm in action, tugging him across his body, then taking his other hand, giving a swift karate chop across his back , flipping him onto the other side of the alter, Dayn landing onto his chest to the floor, Liam, swiftly lifted off the stone alter, taking his black booted foot, whacking it hard unto Dayn’s back, applying a crushing blow pushing down hard entrapping him to the cold stone floor. “NOW. You answer my questions correctly. Do exactly as I tell you. And with correct answer your penance shall be pardoned. Give me the name of your compadre that works for you.” He adamantly demanded, with gritted teeth.
Dayn, struggling on the floor to move. “I know NOTHING!”
Liam, grit his mouth tighter as he applied even more pressure to his back. “Answer me!” He forced for more answers.
Dayn, gritting his own teeth in pain.
Tauna went to Liam’s side looked down at Dayn. “Oh for love of god, for once. Do the right thing. You have the power to stop this NOW!”
Dayn, in agony. “Give me my rights as descendant to Sir Blackwood, the acknowledgement of his coat of arms of Chivalry Chapel and I will give the answer.”
Pastor Connor taking steps towards them. “ He is right Tauna.
The ownership he is referring to was the very sword belonging to Sir Blackwood. It is true and he has that right to claim it.”
Bren, taking steps after Connor. “And I know where the sword is.”
Tauna, looking at her father, then her mother, then back to Liam.
Liam, with held stance. “Right! We will do this the democratic way. You will retrieve your sword to help us defeat this beast of yours, then leave this chapel for good. Is that clear?!”
Dayn, no longer struggling. “You have my solemn oath!”
Pastor Connor admonished a look of mercy to Liam. “We must prepare for this beast’s arrival.”
Trey standing at the door. “I’m ready when you are big Brother.”
Liam, taking a lingered look at his younger brother, smirk in sly. Taking his foot off Dayn’s back.
Dayn, ever so slowly arose from the floor, straightened out.
Liam gave Dayn a warnful look to his side. ”Right. You’ve always been good at being wise as a serpent. I’m keeping my eye on you. One false move from you, and I’ll stomp so hard on that slithering tail of yours, you will regret it. Is that clear?.
Now, let’s move into the sanctuary. We have a very unsavory guest about to arrive.. Mind your wits. Now move.”
Pastor Connor led the way entering into the sanctuary, a gathering of 20 priest and pastors filled the room.
Liam, gently taking Tauna’s arm. “Right. Tauna, stay close to me. Trey you know what to do, stand by. Connor, Sir. Please take your place, Bren, as you were. Dayn, stay where I can see you.”
Pastor goes to his alter, prepares his notes.
Bren, taking her place in her chair in front of Connor.
Pastor Connor at his best. ”Good day everyone and welcome to Chivalry Chapel. I am pleased to see all my friends and colleagues. This is a joyful time for us all in fellowship. Before we proceed I’d like to invite the volunteers to partake in passing the communion plate to each row.
Two boys, taking a tray each, standing at each end of row, handing the tray to the first person, as the first pastor takes the mini cup of dark grape juice into his fingers, then passing
it to the next pastors, so on forth to the end of the row, the boys onward to the other rows, until the last cup was given.
Pastor Connor, taking up his own cup recited scripture: And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” Places the cup to his mouth, receives the swig to swallow. The pastors, as followed.
Pastor Connor stood tall. “I will begin by saying there’s much rejoicing for all of us. To be one with one another gathered here. I look forward in our time together.”
A visiting pastor stood up abruptly.” Pastor Drake! Move, before it gets you!”
Pastor Roger, veered at Connor of pre acknowledgement.
Pastor Connor veers at him, then at another. “Pastor Michael, Brother, are you ok?”
Pastor Michael, swiftly went to him in flinging his arms around seemingly in protection of him from a unseen beast.
Two men from the congregation went to him in lending calming, taking him into another room.
Liam, with a questionable frown.
Pastor Connor resumed. “Right. As I was saying.”
Another pastor, leaps from his chair. “Get away from me!”
The pastors sitting around him look to see but see nothing. “
Brother Adam, are you ok? Calm yourself, there’s nothing there!” Placing their hands on him.
Trey looks at Liam
Liam peers at Trey sharing each other’s stare.
Inspector Crouse, on time, walk inside the room, goes to Liam’s side to observe the unusual scene.
Another pastor stands, ready to run away from an unforeseen unknown. “Everyone leave the building at once! We’re under attack!!! They’re flying everywhere!”
Pastor Connor, in his growing no nonsense demeanor. “
Brother Peter. There IS NOTHING HERE BUT Us. SIT DOWN!”
Pastor Peter dart from his chair-dashing away in irrationality.
Liam, Inspector Crouse grab unto him, Trey followed them, holding the pastor in place. His cup he held in his hand, fell to the floor. The grape juice spilling unto the tutor printed carpet, with a visible white substance still inside the cup. Liam and The inspector look straight at each other inquisitively.
Inspector Crouse, pulling out a latex glove from his jacket, placed it onto his hand, took a sample in between his fingers, taking a closer look to see. “It’s in the grape juice they drank.
They’re being drugged!”
Liam, in angry compassion “Right take him were he’s safe.”
Takes his step to Dayn. ” What is this game you’re playing. Is the whole congregation next?!”
Dayn. Just as questionable. “This is not the same as I instructed. He is playing this game against me also.”
Liam, glared at him. “He. Who is this man?!”
Dayn, kept silent.
Liam, with snarling teeth, grabbed his coat hard with his bare hands. ”Answer me!”
Dayn, in plain voice. “He is here. He sits among them.”
The rest of the visiting pastors getting up from seats leaving, walking around them to the foyers door then left.
Liam, pushes him away with a jolt. “And twenty pastors leaves, one left” He turns from him, sees one man still sitting in the pews.
Dayn follows his view. “ The man’s a traitor to me. I will deal with him myself. Bren. My sword please.”
Bren, moving away from them, she fetch his sword from the wall, bringing to him.
Dayn looked upon his word. ”So it’s been here all this time.
How clever of you to keep it in such finery.” He takes the sword into his own hand. “Here I go.”
Liam, sly. “It will be my pleasure to see you go down with him, by all means-go.”
Dayn, taking his weapon. “ Though you say. With honor, I shall fight my own enemy, until the last strike of his demise.” He walks away from them, prepares his sword in battle, walking towards the enemy, he takes up his sword.” You have betrayed me. You will betray me no more. You will have no second chance. I have come In the name of Sir Blackwood. I have reclaimed my rightful honor as his descendant. It’s my
pleasure to come to destroy you. I will have Chivalry Chapel, even if with my last breath.”
The beast, a man, in his black robe appearance, as the beast rose from his chair, turns to him in evil smirk prepared for battle, taking a hard swipe at him at his side.
Dayn hollered out in much pain, losing his balance, but regaining once again as he swung his sword at his opponent, with harder gritted teeth.
The beast, lunges his sword at him.
Dayn, parries his sword against his sword, blocking him, then lunges his sword right into the beast’s gut, then sees him fall to the floor-game over! Then taking his hand, he touched his side to see his own blood from his own body. Looks at Tauna as estranged.
Tauna, Liam, seeing his fate before them, as he falls to the floor, sprawls like a slithering snake, entering into the chancery , pulls himself up just enough to see the imaged face depiction of Sir John Drake, placed his hand of oath upon the effigy. “In the name of my ancestor, Sir Blackwood, I now declare my rightful coat of arms of Chivalry chapel.” In heavy breath, he smiles slyly in victory, then falls to the floor into his own demise.
Liam, standing in protection of his family, keeping his eyes on him, once again gives his own look of the valiant kneeling knight. His family as if looking over his shoulder, looks onward in quiet closure of solace.
The hour went by fast, the days of Dayn McConol ceased, never to be seen again. His final passage of recompense to take place for his last endeavor of righting his wrongs, as Inspector Crouse finished his discussion with the EMT, went to Liam. The ambulance quietly drives away.
Pastor Connor, standing beside Bren, Tauna, as Liam and Trey stood waiting.
Liam inquired. “Inspector Crouse?”
Inspector Crouse. ”He bled internally. My job is done here.”
Liam positioned himself before Inspector Crouse. “Inspector Crouse. Thank you for this most invigorating comeback.”
Inspector Crouse, giving him a manly hand shake. “Anytime Liam.” He walks to his car, drives off.
Pastor Roger with his wife, in much appreciation to them all.
“Connor, I want to thank you for helping me save my church.
The congregation is once again filling up. But this time, with relevance. And we’ve had twenty baptisms this week alone. I am forever in your debt.”
Pastor Connor smiled at him. “We walk into the kingdom of god together, there is no debt to be paid back, apart of what we were already given, god’s son as debt for us my brother in Christ, my friend.” He gave his hugs to him.
Pastor Roger gave a tighter hug back.
Tauna stood by Liam ready for bed. “So tell me the secret to your best defense.”
Liam turned to her. “My Secret, the best defense, to never give in what the enemy wants but to allow them to do each other in. It’s so much easier with less effort of self strength.”
Tauna smiled. She began to unbutton, his white shirt, one at a time. “Tell me my love, how did you manage to keep your breath while laying on that stone alter?”
Liam pulls her closer to himself. Begins to unbuttoning her shirt, undress her with his hands, her bareness showed. “It’s called playing dead. It’s the oldest trick in the book, one that never fails. It works –every- time.” While kissing her tenderly on her lips “It’s just an old technique I learn as a kid. It’s all, about, breath, control.” He grasped her mouth with his in controlled breathing, then out of control, with nonstop sensual kissing as he takes her to their bed in overwhelming passion of pleasure.
Recompence For Penance
Upon a hill, grey skies rain upon an 18 year old young lady runs into the vastness, falls to her knees in repentant position onto sopping wet grass, in tears she struggles in asking god for forgiveness.
A priest in cassock, adamantly treads toward her, then passed her by, giving no attentiveness to her attention, as he proceeds onward, suddenly halts in place, as he sees in front of him, a man standing watching him. “ Devon Niles, son of Sir Niles.”
Meanwhile in the sanctuary, a group of monks once again stand in two rows chanting their prayers before god in view of the congregation of Pastor Connor Drake.
Liam views the door, then back to Tauna. “Where is Devon?”
Devon suddenly crashes through the door, runs franticly toward the alter, drops to his knees quickly reaching out to grab hold the prayer alter cloth, while Pastor Connor quickly rushed to his side, whilts seeing a man of the cloth pursuing him, the pastor about to strike him with threat of hand. In his other hand, a sword by his side.
Liam, sprung to feet to his defense. “ Stand down! Put down your weapon!” Pushed the bandit away from his son.
Tauna, in dismay, quickly went to her son, stood over him.
“I’m Lady Drake of Chivalry Chapel. Who dares to lay hand on my son?!!!”
The stout looking pastor.“ Your son came to me on sacred ground of my own territory without my permission and created a sacrilege with one of my followers.” The preacher moved forward closer to Devon in threatening demeanor.
Pastor Drake stepping in the preacher’’s way. “I said. Stay clear of him. He has placed his hands upon the alter cloth. He has claimed his right of sanctuary. And until forty days of respite is over. Until then. You must leave .
The stout preacher, tightened his brute lips. throwing down a sword near Devon, leaving the premises without remorse.
Devon raised his view.
Liam looks over him. “Boy, you have much to divulge get on your feet! I shall take it from here Sir. Resume. ”
Pastor Connor, with opened arms welcome to all. “Let us commence.”
In Mediation…
Tauna, Liam enter inside the Devon’s room.
Tauna, attentive to her son’s side with love.
Liam, adamant. “Devon, what happened? And before your claims are told, I remind you upon your eponymous, from
which you were named, be true. Do not malign the family name.”
Tauna inserted. “And the law of promigeniture.”
Devon, in better disposition. “I was on my way home from my duties, there was a man, the stout preacher who chased me in cassock clothing, he saw me witness a girl younger than myself down on her knees. As I came closer to her, it was Breyen’s younger sister, Brandy. When I tried to go to her to help her up, this man, pushed upon my chest with his hands, preventing me from helping her. It seemed like he was determined in penalizing her for god knows what. Like some kind of recompense for his penance. He said to me to say this to no one. I pushed him aside to go to her, then this man, pulled me away from her, I was adamant to help her, so I pushed my way through to get to her ,then helped Brandy up, checked her over, thank god she was ok.
When he saw me put my hands of protection upon her, he came after me like angry pack of wolves about to hit upon its prey with its sharp claws. I instructed for Brandy to quickly leave back home immediately, as did as so, he then grabbed my sword, using it against me. It was too late to fight him for it back. I quickly ran from him right inside the chapel, with him right behind me.”
Liam in his keen deductive mind of thinking. “You mean you came ill prepared, not having another dagger weapon in case of your own protection!? Oh Devon, what have I told you enough about that part in your training son!”
Devon, looked down, then up in self shame. “Yes Father, I made that mistake. But at least she is now safe in her parent’s home.”
Liam sighed heavy. “Yes. And with no harm to you thank god.”
Tauna, from Devon to Liam. “This some sort of religious man, like Pharisee. In his own territory.”
Liam, shifts in his chair. “A pharisee that uses a form of religious pious, is indeed amongst us….he uses religious guilt trip, into extortion, in the name of god.”
Devon, veered at both of them. “And one more thing. He made one thing very clear. His name. Mr. Mark.”
Liam raised his brows in knowledge. “This , Mr. mark. Then we must stand clear of any form of retaliation that may come our way, now that he infiltrated the chapel. Now that he saw you in his misdemeanor. We can not arrest this man on charges of being on his own property, and why Miss Brandy was there we do not know.”
Breyen comes racing into the room, goes to Devon. “Devon, I heard from your grandfather, my sister is ok now with our parents. Thank you, but are you ok?” She fusses over him.
Devon took her in his arms. “I’m ok Brey, I’m glad I was there in assistance to her.”
Liam, satisfied with answers. “Right. May we resume the rest of our day. Get well rested son.”
That next morning, 6 AM
Detective Liam Niles, Alias, Sir knight Niles, treading the long corridor into the quiet of night as he does his duty in protecting the fortress. Steps inside the sanctuary, walks down the floor to the alter. All quiet in peace. Satisfied, he walked away from the alter, making his way toward the door.
Half way there, he stops to turn for another view. Suddenly the stain glass window explodes inward, blasting through, blastering shattered shars of glass everywhere, the blast blowing him hard as he quickly raised his arms over his head in his own protection, as he falls hard onto the cold stone floor. The atmosphere, silent.
Liam suddenly awoke in a jolted cold sweat, veered to see Tauna in bed next to him asleep. It was all a bad dream, he thought as he cuddled close to her in her safety, placed his arm around her in comfort as he felt her stir, then back to sleep.
In the morning.
Pastor Connor answered the door. “Inspector Crouse. Nice to see you again. Come in”
Liam, walking to the door. “Inspector Crouse. Thanks for coming. Please enter, we have much to discuss.” He reverence his hand pointing to the sanctuary, as he tread the tutor styled floor along with him and Connor into the room.
In their three chairs they sat amongst each other.
Liam, eager. “Inspector Crouse. Would you do me the honor and let Pastor Drake Dub you in knighthood?”
Pastor Connor in question. ”You mean to deputize him.”
Liam, Very assured of himself. “Ah, yes. To deputize, so he can partake in a very important assignment. To help me nab something sure to come soon. He has already earned his high honors with the police enforcement for distinguished honor, therefore, I will need him to partake, along with me, Trey, Devon, Tremen, you.”
Pastor Connor, taken aback. “ME? What you are describing is like the knights of the round table.”
Liam, “Yes sir, just like the knights of the round table. You are after all Sir Knight John Drake’s descendant. I have much faith you can pull it off as a Lancelot.”
I’d rather be a Sir King Arthur.”
Liam gleamed at him leaning forward. “Then you better get your excalibur ready Sir. And meet us at the round table by fortnight of few minutes.”
Inspector Crouse lowered his head down, then up in pride. “It will be an honor to serve Chivalry Chapel’s heritage.
Liam, dimpled smiled within his own pride.
Devon Niles and tremens stood by the door eves dropping, comes forth. “Do you mean we get to be some sort of Musketeers Father?”
Liam turned to them as Connor and Inspector Crouse did also.
“I’d say something like that, but much better. Now, you two go be prepared to claim your swords at the alter of Devon’s grandfather.”
Devon and his cousin Tremen veered at each other in excitement, then leave the doorway.
The doorbell rings.
Liam gets up from his seat to answer. “ Hello little Brother.
Remember the days of our youth of squabbling sibling rivalry?”
Trey Niles, in sly smirk. “Yah, father made us line up in discipline to recite the code of ethics.”
Liam, in his own sly smirk. “Right!. You’re about to get a knighthood. Get in line!” He grabs his trench coat in rough vigor tug, bringing him inside, then let go, they walk together down the corridor.
Trey, snared at his big brother. “See I did tell father of your smacking me around. “
Liam, unamused. “ Yah, Yah, Whatever.” Taking his younger brother to the sanctuary room with him, right through the doors, he treads with him to stand next to each other in lined formation with the other men. “Pastor Roger, good to see you again. Pastor Connor. Let it commence.”
Pastor Connor stood at his alter. A gathering of swords from the chancery, he placed all four swords unto the table, steps close to Liam. “Sir Knight Liam Niles. You are the first as leader to be notorized as leader of this assignment. Hand to me, your extract sword.”
Liam, taking his sword from his scabbard, gives it to Connor.
Pastor raised the sword to Liam’s head, laying the flat blade of steal upon his head. “I hear by, you, as leader. Stand by.”
Offers his sword back.
Liam, taking back his word, took one step backwards, stands tall.
Pastor Connor, turns to his brother next in line. “Detective Trey Niles. Hand me your sword.” Trey does the same. “It is my dutiful honor. I dub thee, Sir Knight Trey Niles.” He places the cold flat steel blade onto to one shoulder, then to the other shoulder. “Congratulations son.” Hands the sword back to him.
Detective Trey, turned Sir Knight Trey Niles, smiles with pride, steps back, stands still. Then sees his wife in the pew smiling with pride at him. He smiles back to her, then stands attentive to The pastor.
Pastor Connor, then steps in front of Inspector Crouse, in same manner. As Connor serves him his new sword.
Inspector Crouse, steps back in waiting, also sees his family viewing him.
Pastor Roger, in same way, as follows. His new sword by his side.
Pastor Connor, steps up to Devon Niles. “My grandson. It is with much pride and pleasure to dub you. Even you as only Squire.” He proudly takes a sword, places it onto his left shoulder, then to his right shoulder. “Squire Devon Liam Connor Drake Niles, I dub thee, Sir Knight Devon Niles.”
Placed his hand upon his face with love. Goes to Tremen in same manner.” Squire Tremen. Just as your father, I dub thee, Sir Knight Tremen Niles.” Smiles at him. Connor looks to the next person in line. To Tauna strangely.
Tauna. “And why not? Liam taught me well.”
Liam, amuses.”I do remind of women warriors from history’s past warriors sir. She will do fine as she stays by my side at all time.”
Pastor Connor assured. “ Very well then. Lady Tauna Marie Drake Niles, I dub you, Honorable Lady of Chivalry Chapel, I
..dub…thee.” Her father lays the sword onto both her shoulders, handing the sword of Sir Knight John Drake to her.
Bren, with great-grandson in her arms, sitting next to Breyen, Lauren, smiling with pride.
Now what?
Liam stood tall. ”We do as the knights did.”
Taking their swords into the chancery, they gather around a big round table.
Liam, placing his sword first unto the table, the blade pointing inward. “ Right. Gentleman, and lady. Place your swords as follows.
Each of them stepped up to the round table, taking their swords, like the knights of the round table, they lay their swords down unto the table, all the blades lined up in front of each one creating an inner circle in the middle of the table.
Liam, with in proud moment. “ Now, we shall wait to defeat what is coming. The entrapment of Mr. Mark.”
The next day…..
Tauna Drake Stood in the courtyard. The atmosphere is thick of mist. Hearing the sound of footsteps in the distance, she turned to see nothing. She gripped her sword for a moment of time as she saw on outline of a man coming closer. She stood her stance and waited as the image became more clear.
A man, comes forth to Tauna as she looks straight at him in disgust. ”You have some nerve to show up here……Mr. Mark.”
Mr. Mark amused. “ I see you know me by name.”
Tauna, pulling out her sword for her own defense. ”Don’t have anything better to do than enguilt upon the innocence of girls.”
Mr. Mark, Not if they have the right kind of recompense. Now lower your weapon so I may proceed.” Taking his sword, he swiped her sword out of her hand as it dropped to the floor.
then swiftly crouch to pick it up, placed his hand onto the sword, suddenly the tip of another sword held it down with a clink, as he looked up to see Liam standing tall over him, in his white, peasant ruffled shirt, holding his sword in place preventing him from picking it up.
Liam smiled his dimples wide. “Lovely to see you again. That is, through my son.” He boldly took his sword, smacking his opponent’s sword into the room full of visitors.
Mr. Mark, with a mean expression, leaves the room to retrieve it.
Tauna looks at Liam. “Devon is right. This man is very sly.”
Liam, “Is he? We will see just how sly he is. Get ready.” He escorted her.
Liam and Tauna entered into the foyer. Liam laying his eyes upon his brother Trey standing in the middle of the room with Tremen, Devon and Connor. They go to them. “Brother Trey, did you not see him come in to the room?”
Trey in quick response. “No Brother.”
Liam,reshuffled his position. “Right, Men, get into position.
Two by two. We are going after him. Tauna, stay close to me and Devon.”
Two by two , they all moved forward in their different directions, Pastor Connor with Pastor Roger, toward the chancery, Trey with Tremen down one corridor, Inspector Crouse falling behind Liam with Devon and Tauna, as Liam, seeing Mr. Mark, stops to hand signal his pointing hand to Inspector Crouse, as he focused upon him. Treading ever so carefully, gaining upon Mr. Mark, then loses him. They stopped in place. “Bloody hell, where are you?” He reshuffled his position following his insight.
Devon, pulled out of place. “He is there, I found him. I‘m going after him.” He leaves urgent.
Liam, Tauna, seeing Devon gone from their trifold, Inspector Crouse moves forward to Devon as back up, their treading journey leading them all back into the foyer and in the middle of the room, stood Mr. Mark in line pointing his broadsword at Devon, while Trey, Tremen, Inspector Crouse placed their swords pointing directly at Mr. Mark, holding their position.
Pastor Connor, Pastor Roger added their swords to the circle
of support. For a moment in time, everyone keeping their eyes on everyone else, no one moving out of position, no one standing down from their position, an intensive moment of time stood still.
Liam stood his stance. “Mr. Mark. We meet. I think it’s time for you to meet the girl’s father you piously led astray in your unwavering extortion of her father’s good fortune and her family you nearly destroyed. Pastor Roger.”
Breyen and her sister Brandy entered into room with their mother along with Bren, walking in together.
Mr. Mark, peered aside to them.
Liam inserts his hand into his trench coat pocket, pulls out a rare hard to find jeweled pommel, holds it up to show both of them. “This belonged to Sir Drake’s sword that shall use to defeat you with. How many other families have you extorted, using their children as guilt-bait of something so innocent nature.” He Holds the hilt tight with one hand, reinserts the pommel back into place. “Be wise as a serpent, indeed. Game over.” He declared with the palm of his other hand, his robust hand thrust the pommel back inside. Gentlemen. Lower your swords. I’ll take it from here.”
They all lowered their swords, keeping their views on Mr.
Mark.
Liam stood up to a man like goliath. He glared at him. “You’ll have to take me down to leave this castle.”
Mr. Mark lunges at him in fury.
Liam parries his sword once again at the Mr. Mark’s sword, slamming it down, whipping it aside.
Pastor Connor stood, in reciting scriptures. “Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the adversary’s schemes.
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, the authorities, the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of adversary in the heavenly realms.”
Liam ,seeing Mr. Mark come closer, strikes at him again..
Pastor Connor, continues. “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.”
“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place.”
Mr. Mark, once again hurls his sword at Liam., Liam parries his sword at Mr. Mark.
Pastor continues. “And with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. Take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the WORD OF GOD!”
Mr. Mark thrusting his sword at Liam, above his head, then to his side.
Liam parried his sword away from him, above his head in protection, swung his sword back at him.
Mr. Mark, without warning, out maneuver his sword upwards against Liam’s, slams his sword out of Liam’s hands. Liam, getting knocked down to the floor with a blow to his back, his sword thumps the stone floor, slides flat a few feet from his side.
Devon, takes a step. “Father!!!”
Tauna, securely taking hold of Devon of the unknown.
Liam, takes a moment to regain his breathing and thoughts.
Sees Mr. Mark fast approaching him. Urgently seeking in search of his sword, he sees it just a few feet away from himself. Repositioning his body to sprawl on the floor, he reached diligently to obtain his sword.
His adversary bashed his sword just an inch of his arm, the loud clinking sound filled the atmosphere.
Liam quickly flinched, swiftly shifting away from him with a quick rolling toward his sword.
His adversary continued to pound his sword at him, striking every rotation toward his nonstop endeavor for his sword, becoming even more furious at his escape from him.
Liam earnestly stretched out to grab his sword. Seeing his adversary’s threatening approach, he lift the heirloom straight up into the air to block him, once, twice, thrice times-then thrust his foot at him.
His adversary-stunned with excruciating pain, backs off to gain his breath and bearings. Then goes after Liam once more.
Liam quickly gets off the floor, shods his feet in place, then prepares with his hands tight grip around the hilt, swings his
sword with full force, as he sees the Mr. Mark charging at him like a game of joust, slamming his sword with all his strength into the side of his opponent, as he watches him fall to his knees, then flat to the floor.
Mr. Mark lay on the floor in agony, not moving.
Liam bent over to catch his many deep breaths, keeping his eye on him.
Tauna goes to Liam’s side, fusses over him. “Liam!”
Liam’s breathing slowly improving. “I’m alright love. It’s over.”
Pastor Connor, went to him. “The police have taken him.”
Breyen and Brandy’s father and mother, giving Liam a look of great gratitude.
Tauna watching in full honor of both her men in action as well as Trey to his son Tremen, Lauren on the side.
Liam supervised Devon’s last bit of training. Taking his sword, Liam lunges at him full thrust.
Devon, parries harder against him.
Once again, His father, lunges even harder.
Devon, suddenly swipes under his sword, as his father lost his sword to the ground, giving him a cheeky grin of pride.
Liam, with Tauna stunned.
Liam, in his proud dimpled smile. “The day has come for you to take over as Knight. Very well then. A squire no more, but now as a knight of Chivalry Chapel. As your grandfather has already knighted you. Since the day your mother carried my son in her womb, I am proud to be your father.
Congratulations son. I shall inform your grandfather of your status, my son.”
Tauna, grinning of such joy.
Devon, taking his sword, goes to his father, giving him a manly hug, then goes to his duties, prepared for knights.
Trey hollers out in joy at Tremen, his mother hugging him in congratulations, also goes to his duties.
Liam with Tauna see Trey and Lauren leaving hand and hand with love.
Liam, in reminisce. “The days are here Tauna.”
Tauna, gets close to him. “Yes, but are you Detective Liam Niles, or Sir Knight Liam Niles?”
Liam brings her closer. “My love, Little girl. I am both. I will always be, your detective knight. And what do you have in your hand?”
Tauna, show a small hand book. “It is my Diarium of my life with stories of a great master detective.” Taking out his old trench coat button, showing it to him.
Liam ,with his wide dimpled smile, takes the button from her, kissed her tenderly on her lips as they walk inside the Chivalry Chapel, then see Pastor Connor Drake, descendant of Sir Knight John Drake closing the chancery door, to the twelfth century.
