With a final sword slash, I fell the bandit lord.
The battle was nearly over but instead of fleeing or surrendering, a few of the bandits made a desperate last stand.
I make a dash towards the bandit highout, we had to locate the Viscount's daughter!
I kill any bandit that didn't surrender and as I went deeper into the hideout I spot a bandit trying to make off with the Viscount's daughter.
I throw my knife into the bandit's back and he falls. I race to the Viscount's daughter who was scared of me at first until I removed my helmet and she could see my pretty brown hair, blue eyes and the gray trinity symbol.
"You're a Knight of Trinity!"
"Yes and you're safe now," I assure.
The battle ends with no casualties on our side, victory for the Knights of Trinity.
We escort the Viscount's daughter back home and the Viscount rewards us handsomely.
*
After a week of travel we arrive to Crystal City, and submit our report to the Church and then we make our way to our base of operations.
Many Knights greet us and we tell our tell and I receive most of the credit. Being a Trinity Knight was truly the best thing I could be and with my reputation being above reproach, my seat on the Order of 13 Trinity Knights was assured and the being first woman was one for the history books.
Everything is perfect save one thing....
"I'm relieved that you brave men made it back safely," the redhead says and he turns to me with a look of scorn. The man was Sir Byron, he never liked me due to being a woman, he was a thorn in my side and now made clear he desired my seat. The man was nothing but a sexist weasel!
I turn my nose up and make my way to deliver the report to the Grand Master.
"Well done, Ophelia. You are a credit to the Trinity Order, you can take your leave tomorrow. Vacation and then inauguration."
"Yes Grand Master," I smile.
*
Two weeks pass and I am on the council making important decisions. I was finishing up signing an important document when there was a knock at my office door. "Come in." My eyes narrow when it turns out to be Sir Byron. "What do you want!?"
"Peace. I have urgent business."
"Speak then."
"There have been reports of a wild beast prowling the forest near the village of Applegate, first two reports say the same thing but the third indicates it was a bear. I have been tasked to deal with this problem but the Grand Master feels that is a two person job, so I thought..."
"You want me to assist you on this bear hunt?" I exclaim.
"Yes, it's the perfect chance for us the bury the hatched."
My eyes narrow.
I know you don't trust me but I'm sure you heard the rumors of war breaking out in the east, right?"
"Yes."
"Well we need all of our strength, infighting will not help us against the pagans and Muslims."
"For once I agree with you."
"Splendid! So you'll be able to help me then? Unless our illustrious female knight is afraid.
"Bah, I know no fear!"
"Then we ride at dawn, I'll handle the arrangements," Sir Byron answers and swiftly leaves before I could give my answer.
I hit the table, it was too late to back out now, the Grand Master will be informed.
*
We were riding towards Applegate Village. We spoke very little and when we spoke, Sir Byron was polite which threw me off guard, this was strange but suppose I should be willing to dismiss old grudges.
When we stop to make camp for the night, Sir Byron goes over the map. "The forest isn't that big but it's enough for a bear to live, there has to be a cave."
"Hopefully there's only one," I say.
He nods in agreement.
I make an irritating groan, "Ok enough, why are you being so nice?!"
"I already told you why, but as you surmised there's more to it."
"Explain!" I demand.
"Baroness Catherine De Jean fancies me."
I couldn't imagine anyone fancying this man?
"Her late father left her everything since she was his only child, he was also a close friend of the Pope and that friendship has extended to her."
I was surprised but then my eyes narrow, "You're only doing this so you can gain access to her money!"
"Certainly not, this isn't about me, it's about you and the entire Order. If we wed, the Trinity Order will have unlimited funds and resources. We have to be ready for the coming war."
"Do you love her?"
"I'm trying, but I must humble myself."
I couldn't believe it, he was actually trying to change. "Well let's do a good job. For the Trinity Order."
We shake on it.
*
We arrive at Applegate and speak to the mayor. Once we were finished, we settle in for the night.
I awake to the sound of the cock crowning and preparing myself for the mission, hopefully we can have this settled by day's end.
After breakfast we depart for the forest with Sir Byron in the front.
The forest was quite nice and quiet despite our objective. As we go deeper into the forest, we spot two men and the bear only it wasn't a bear but a person pretending to be one.
"By order the Church, you men are under arrest for suspicion of robbery and attempted murder!" Sir Byron announces.
The two men and the bear man run.
"After them!" He barks which irks me because I was his superior but whatever.
We pursue after them at swift speed but Sir Byron was going even faster.