…And the owl hooted her nightly song, as the early dusk’s twilight manifested the sky with the vivid evidence of eventide. Far beyond the snowcapped mountains the seven Warriors of the Sacred Union gathered quietly around her for their final assemblage.

Sir Algernon strode forward, his walk tall and proud, his steel shielded chest guard reflecting the very last of this forever decisive day’s sun beams.

He was the leader, the Knight of the Union, the protector of the forsaken, the doyen of the loyal guardians who have never left his side in this dangerous journey of preserving the ancient cycle of the lost days.

And now, as he had done so many times prior, he lowered down onto one knee before the divine Lady Julyia, taking her alabaster skinned palm very softly into his. He hesitated for an instant and then almost unnoticeably leaned forward to let his lips brush tenderly a faint kiss onto the velvety skin of her hand. A soft breeze of sweet, lilac scented air gently lifted the wispy handkerchief sleeve of her gown and draped it silently over his armored forearm. It seemed like Mother Nature wrapped herself carefully around the pair granting her unuttered blessings.

Sir Algernon lifted his gaze to meet hers and he finally spoke “My Lady, you are safe now. The power of the eclipse will protect you.” Lowering his head and voice he tried to suppress the great pain he suffered as his soul cried out in silent agony. Our deed is done, my Lady. We shall return to the tribe of Ladoomia to follow the trail of the Forgotten.”

Sir Algernon could not speak anymore. His responsibilities were fulfilled and his duties absolute. He had cared for her asylum and guarded her with his life during this last, dangerous journey. To sacrifice his own life would have been a great pleasure knowing it would have saved hers.

He would never see her again.

His forbidden love for Lady Julyia had been a passionate, blazing inferno in his chest for many years. Unsuccessfully, he had fought to control and even ignore the burning desire which seemed to consume him like a dragon’s inflamed breath. But she too had felt the deep bond between them. Unable to allow its liberation; her heart had experienced the same dark sadness of a caged, in desperation fluttering bird which would never see the light of day again.

As the daughter of Muzaar, the King of Fabelland she was to marry the prince of the neighboring hierarchy to keep piece in these difficult times of unrest. Her enchanting person and generous kindness would guarantee the peaceful future of this great land and its people who dearly loved her as their forthcoming queen. The new and precious life her divine body was going to create would merge the ancient bloodlines and build a coalition between the two hateful and rivaling clans, transforming them into covenant.

Before her mental eye she saw the inevitable perpetuity she would encounter very soon. Lady Julyia spoke with a silvery whisper, “Stand, my warrior,” she barely lay her hand on top of his, touching him ever so lightly. He obeyed his Lady just lifting his head, but then he rose to his full height, towering before her, and never letting go of her delicate hand. They remained in silence, standing close and feeling each other’s warmth. Antagonizing over one another’s helplessness but also desperately yearning to be strengthened by the integrity and pride they both shared His mesmerizing gaze searched the endless depth of her dark, clouded eyes and found her troubled soul deep within.

With a voice like the shadow of a breath she asked him one last time, “What can I offer to change this noble Knight’s mind? To stay and be this Lady’s personal guard and protector?”

He swallowed away the sharp pain as his heart was breaking. No wound inflicted in battle, however lethally it might be, could be this tremendous and lasting.

“My Lady, this warrior soughs to protect the ones he serves and honors; he’d fail to protect the one he loves.”

With these words he lifted her hand back to his lips and smoothed a kiss as soft as the touch of a butterfly’s wing onto her skin.

Time had come to say farewell and he saw the tears fill her beautiful eyes like a deep pool of sadness drowning her soul. But only one tear spilled. The evidence of her agonized heart rolled slowly down her cheek and he had to fight the urge of gently kissing it away. He had already stepped over the line and they both were well aware of it.

He had been enthralled by this maiden but any further involvement would greatly endanger the peaceful future of his nation. They both had to sacrifice their forbidden desire and deep love for each other to safe this promising land of another terrifying conflict. Too much blood had been spilled in the past, too many men had sadly lost their lives and too many mothers, daughters and sisters had cried endless tears. But now there was peace and to keep truce in order this Knight and his Lady had to spill their tears instead.

Sir Algernon finally let go of her and stepped to his black, in shiny steel armored horse. The stallion nickered quietly at first but then he wildly shook his head. His long mane was flowing in the wind like the silken flag of a proud soldier in battle. Then he cried out and stood still, feeling his master’s pain.

With sad eyes Lady Julyia watched as her warrior mounted his horse, just to turn around to her one last time. Suddenly the stallion reared high, striking out with his front legs, letting go an unearthly scream as if he could fight away the painful desperation his master suffered.

Their eyes met in silent understanding and it took all of her strength and courage to stand tall and speak out, “Sir Algernon, proud warrior. May the peace of the eclipse be with you, always!”

His devoted six knights had been standing back, awaiting their commander to lead them into a new adventure. They gathered around him now, cupping him into their midst, and comforting him with their loyal brotherhood, as they disappeared into the encroaching darkness.

With this she turned away and just like her brave Knight rode off to an unknown future, she walked on toward a life she was supposed to live; to love a man she never would, to sacrifice herself for the lasting peace of her forefather’s land.~~~~~~~