[Black Knight]

Note from the editor – I took the liberty of adding some of those people who involved themselves in my story. I tried to keep with your general comments/alignments/etc. If I didn’t, remember this is a story. Also, I didn’t save all the info that was posted after Ch3 and before this, but it keeps the general line of the story

When we last left our story, The Black Knight had just told CloudBringer that he had to leave to keep her virtue and honor and is dedication intact. Our Fair Maiden CloudBringer was left on a precipice asking for another chance. Gabriel comes and walked her off the cliffs, only to find Jerome and Hellfire there to taunt her lost. This is where this edition of the story begins.>

Gabriel has LadyWendy take CloudBringer and make her comfortable in the Castle. LadyWendy tells Gabriel to get rid of the rabble in front of the Castle and then tries to comfort CloudBringer. She is inconsolable, crying for 3 days. On the Fourth day, the sun came out and dried the stormcloud’s tears. Gabriel came and asked if she was feeling better, she nods her head yes. “I realize that it is time to get on with life. He is gone. Probably into the Blasted Void, where he will die never to know of my honest devotion to him. I will always have feelings for him, but I only ask that no one mentions that name in my presence.” “But Lady CloudBringer, The Black . . . “ Gabriel started to say. “I SAID NOT TO SPEAK THAT NAME!” She clears her throat. “Anyways, I have been in remiss for the last couple of days business. What needs done?” Gabriel thinks for a little bit, then starts going through the various repairs that need done. Windows need replaced, the drawbridge needs cleaned still from that spell from Charlie. “Oh, and there is an applicant to your Lady’s Guards. A Sir Ozitee, I believe. Shall I send him it?” The CloudBringer answers in the affirmative and the young man is brought forth. He is covered from head to toe in White Armor with a Navy Cloud and Lightening Bolt coming from the Cloud. “A curious Emblem, Sir Ozitee. Where is it from?” The man looks to CloudBringer for permission to speak. Once again, she nods.

“I lived in a land not far from here in the mountains.” He began. “My families Symbol is a Cumulonimbus cloud. I saw your Signet as a maker of clouds and thought it to be a sign from the gods. I have been looking for employment as a guard, and I hear you might have an opening? I have no references. My last duty was dispatched when my liege died of old age after under my guard for ten years. I was the only guard, he my only patron. I am ready for another assignment, and I know that you have enemies about and are in need of assistance.” He looks CloudBringer in the eye. “Again, I pledge to allow no harm on thy lady’s personage on pain of my own life.” His voice boomed in the room. Sir Ozitee knelt in front of her and she gave him leave.

“He is quite a specimen, isn’t he? Noble, Mysterious yet humble. His eyes look right into your soul. He’s not a Knight, is he? She asks Gabriel. “Not as far as I know. He is too young by ten years.” He replies.

“Good. Let him know he has the job.” CloudBringer says. Gabriel bows slightly and leaves. She sits and thinks about her lost love and sighs.

A fortnight later, there is a disturbance in the night. Alarms are sounded. Gabriel quickly checks to CloudBringer’s safety and joins the fray. CloudBringer, now awake, aimlessly wanders her apartments. She hears a noise behind her and is startled to see a man dressed in Ninja Black behind her. “I could have stabbed you from behind, but I wanted to give you the pleasure of knowing who your murderer was and who sent me.”

“You talk too much.” CloudBringer says, drawing her Dagger. “Who is behind this?”

“I am the humble thief Hellfire, at your service. I have been sent by Jerome, the Fallen Paladin to kill off his most hated adversary.

“Good Luck, I’ll make sure your corpse is returned. Minus certain . . . parts?” She lunges at him with surprising quickness. They both know their fight is beyond any further words. The sounds of battle quickly fill the room, matching the sounds of the courtyard. Hellfire quickly changes hands and blocks CloudBringer one more time. He pulls out a second dagger and cuts down the tapestry. He nimbly jumps out of the way as it ensnares CloudBringer. He grabs the mass and throws it to the ground. “Thought you could kill me, did you? I just want to congratulate you on making me break a sweat. Rarely happens in a fight. I’ll see you in Hell.” He takes both Daggers and raises them overhand to make the killing blow. He hears a noise behind him. He looks down and sees eighteen inches of cold steel protruding from his chest.

“What are you waiting for? Chicken?” CloudBringer screams. She notices that the tapestry is being raised. She readies herself to spring. She sees light, goes to attack. She gets her knife at his throat when he says “It would be a tragedy to have to kill you in defense after saving you from this cur. Sir Ozitee finishes uncovering her. “I was running past looking for any more invaders when I heard the commotion in your room. I saw him about to play stick the dagger in the tapestry, and decided to see how well this sword would go through his chest. Shall I finish cutting you out of this, or are you not going to lower your dagger?” She hands the dagger to him and he cuts her out of the tapestry.

Just then, Gabriel walks in with a crossbow in hand. “CloudBringer, the enemy has been slain. I’m not sure what . . .” He notices the dagger in Sir Ozitee’s hand and lower his crossbow at him. “If you hurt her, I will make sure your body hangs for a full year from the ramparts of this building.” “Oh stop it, Gabriel, he saved my life. Your Assassin is right there. He mentioned a Jerome. Does that name mean anything to you?” Gabriel Sir Ozitee shakes his head. Gabriel thinks for a second and then slowly speaks. “Y-y-yes. It might be him. There was once a man who was besotted with your sister. He tried to win her affection by attacking all evil mages. He turned it into a Crusade against all non-Lawful Good Aligned Characters. He was thought to be destroyed by a small thief named Tipsy. He ended up losing his Paladin status and went over to the “Dark Side” No one has heard from him for years. I’m sorry Sir Ozitee, I jumped to conclusions here.”

“No apology necessary. I might have done the same in your position. Very Honorable think to protect her Lady’s person. One needs to take such a position seriously.” States Sir Ozitee.

“Actually, I might have something alone those lines for you. I need a Captain of the Guards. The last one . . . “ Gabriel looks quickly at CloudBringer “left. Suddenly. Anyway, we are in need of a person of Honor to fill this position. From what I have heard the past couple of days from the men, you would do well. What do you say.”

Sir Ozitee ponders for a moment. “Is this what you want, Lady CloudBringer? I only want to serve.” She gives an affirmative nod. “Then I will, with your help, Gabriel. We shall protect Our Lady. I am yours.” He leaves to make sure the castle is secure. Gabriel makes sure of our Lady and he, too, leaves to patrol the Castle.

The next morning, Sir Ozitee approaches CloudBringer. “You still need someone to dispose of the body. What do you want done with it?” “Behead it and send the head to Jerome,” she says darkly. Sir Ozitee bows and without another word, leaves to complete his task. On his way out of the Castle, he sees LadyWendy. “So, here is the man I’ve heard so much about. How do you like guarding my Sister’s person? Anything . . . happened on her person?” She nudges him in the ribs. He stiffens, bows and leaves. She walks into her sister’s room. “So, who’s the new Eye Candy? Is he sweet? Have you made any moves on him?” CloudBringer shakes her head. “Of course not. You know that I still pine for . . . someone else. But there is something about him.” LadyWendy replies, “Yes, it’s his eyes. What’s his name?”

“Sir Ozitee,” CloudBringer replies, “First name is Kuri, I believe.”

Sir Ozitee questions some of last nights invaders as to where the Once was Good now is Bad Jerome is currently residing. He finds that Jerome is frequenting a brothel by the Copper Coronet. He readies himself and goes to the place of ill repute. Once there, he looks around. He notices a door with a large guard, a set of stairs to the left with a guard at the top of it. He goes to the innkeeper and asks what is behind the door. He smiles and points to a sign. It says, “For a good time, go to the top of stairs and show your silver. To die, go to the Door on the right and show your weapon. The Lady or Lion is your choice. Bartender has no tongue, so don’t talk to him. Signed the Management. Sir Ozitee takes one look at the Barkeep, shakes his head and flips him a copper. He decides to check out the Lady option first. He flips a piece of silver. As he goes through the door, he is met with sounds of copulation and exertion. A petite little blonde comes over and asks if he wants a good time. He shakes his head and keeps moving. He sees what he wants. An older lady sits on a stool in the back, keep track of how many . . . customers each girl has taken. He grabs another stool and sits beside her. “Lad, it’s been many a day since I’ve had to take on the likes of you. Why don’t you find a young sturdy girl to pass the time with.”

“Actually, I’m just here for information. Do you know Jerome.” Her face goes white. She motions for a servant girl to come and take over. She looks at Sir Ozitee and walks to a door. She beckons for Sir Ozitee to follow. Sir Ozitee finds himself in a room with many curtains and cushions cover the floor. Sir Ozitee looks around, poking his sword at some of the curtains. “Sit down,” She commands. “What do you want with Jerome.”

“I have a . . . present for him from my protectorate. I will leave it only for him. If you would be so kind, please show me to him.” She chuckles, “Okay. Follow me.” She takes down a backset of stares. You walk by a door. You start to wonder if it is the same one you need to have a sword to get behind when you feel a prick in the middle of your back.

“Hello. I hear that you are looking for me. I’ll take that.” He takes the package from your hands, and looks in. “Well, it looks like my favorite thief will have to be resurrected again. I will HAVE to take it out of his wages. What to do with you. If you defeat one of my creatures in the pit, you get to tell me your name. If you defeat two, you get to leave with your life.

“And if I defeat five?” You boldly say? The sword pushes slightly on your back. Jerome throws his head back and laughs. “ Five? If you defeat five, I’ll come down and fight you myself. Five it is. You might want to pray to your gods. If you have any.” He walks away. Sir Ozitee finds himself being dragged to the pit. His helmet has been removed, but Sir Ozitee is allowed to keep all his other magical armor. Sir Ozitee drinks a potion of Strength and feels strength flowing through his veins. As he looks up, he sees the grate being lifted. A large Hobgoblin walks through, takes one look at you and raises his sword. Sir Ozitee feigns an overhead move. When the Hobgoblin raises his hands to block, Sir Ozitee slices cleanly through its middle. He wipes the blood off as the small crowd cheers him on. Wages are slowly exchanged as the wait for more opponents for the young fighter drags on. The grate raises again. A Werewolf comes out howling. He lunges for Sir Ozitee’s throat immediately. Sir Ozitee dodges and receives a scrap on the left arm. He swings his blade again and sticks the Werewolf through the heart. He wipes his blade on the Werewolf’s back and waits for the next group.

Suddenly, two human sized green creatures come snarling at Sir Ozitee. Sir Ozitee takes a step back and looks at them for a moment. They look at him for a moment and spread out. Sir Ozitee feigns at the one on the right and sticks his sword through the shoulder of the first creature. He then reverses the sword and sticks it between his arm and his body and surprises the second creature in the chest. The first creature takes the opportunity to punch Sir Ozitee in the face. Big mistake. An enraged Sir Ozitee grabs the creature and throws it across the ring. He waits for it to get up before running it through. He takes a few steps forward and waits for the grate to be lifted again. Suddenly, he feels sharp pains in his shoulders. He looks over to see both of them attached teeth first to his shoulder blades. Sir Ozitee stabs them both with his sword. “Trolls” his thinks. He looks around and sees a torch on the side of the ring. He takes it and sets the creatures aflame. He watches as they wither away. He limps back to the center of the ring and is surprised to see Jerome walk through.

“I figured it would be easier to kill CloudBringer’s boy after I softened him up a little. Yes, I knew who you are. And I know who you were.” Sir Ozitee’s eyes raise. “Yes, I know your secret. I will be happy to tell her. After I kill you!” He unsheathes his two handed sword.

“Have you used that since you fell from Paladin status?” asked Sir Ozitee. Jerome shakes his head no. “Good. Funny things happen to Holy Swords if people who wield them are not of pure heart.” Sir Ozitee raises his sword. “They tend to shatter into a million pieces at the blow of one who is!” With that he takes a mighty swing and Jerome’s sword turns to steel shards. The mighty defender, beaten but not quiet done, walks over to Jerome and asks in a loud voice if he will submit. After Jerome spits on him, Sir Ozitee takes him over to the grate, opens it, and throws him into the animal pit. He walks through the pit. It has turned silent. He walks up to the Barkeep and says, “It’s all yours.” Sir Ozitee smiles and stumbles out.

CloudBringer and LadyWendy are waiting for Sir Ozitee’s return. CloudBringer is waiting at the front room while LadyWendy is lounging by the fireplace. Memnoch comes in and says, “Well, this is a lively bunch. Sir Ozitee not back yet? Guess not. Well, how about I make fun of CloudBringer’s name for a while to pass the time. Okay, okay, maybe not.” CloudBringer lowers her dagger. “Hey, you can’t blame your Jester for trying to lighten the situation.

Just then, Sir Ozitee staggers in. He drops at Memnoch’s feet. Memnoch takes him and drags him to a couch. Sir Ozitee is bloodied from head to toe. His wounds from the trolls just won’t heal. His life is draining in front of their eyes. They yell for the Cleric to come. “Hey, um . . . he feels a lot heavier than he looks. Hey, he has a magical shimmer to him. The jester does a little spell and Sir Ozitee’s disguise goes away. It is none other than The Black Knight. He looks at CloudBringer and whispers, “Heart, Mind, and Soul. Forever.” Just then, Moiraine, the Cleric comes in. She takes one look at him, and says, “This is more than I can do. We need to get him to the temple”

CloudBringer gets Gabriel, and between them and LadyWendy, Moiraine, and Memnoch they bear the litter that transports him to the Temple. Father Bronze is there. He looks at the litter and sighs. “Not another fighter beaten up at a bar, is it? I am tired of putting them back together.”

“No, Father Bronze. I wouldn’t waste you time with that. He has wounds from a Troll that I know not how to cleanse. He doesn’t have much time.” CloudBringer, in tears, begs him to help. Father Bronze mutters under his breath and prays for help from his god. The Black Knight mighty chest heaves, and he takes a breath. And another. And another. His eyes open. “Don’t try to talk,” says CloudBringer, “give the spell time to work.” The Black Knight takes her hand and closes his eyes. He awakes two hours later, feeling only slightly dead. CloudBringer is still there holding his hand.

“I’m sorry. There was no other way to get to the bottom of Jerome’s evil plot to take over Amn. I was charged with dispatching the fallen paladin for the good of the order, and there was no other way to do this without putting you in great harm. I just want you to know that I never doubted you, and I will always be yours, Heart, Mind, and Soul. He falls back asleep. CloudBringer starts to cry a little shower of happy tears. They are together again. LadyWendy comes in and sees them together. She turns back around and goes back outside. She turns to Gabriel and remarks, “Looks like Evil will have to find another town to mess with. The Black Knight is back.” Lightening strikes. “You really need to get back inside,” Gabriel says. “It’s starting to rain again.” LadyWendy smiles “So it is. Looks like a Dark Cloud is going to cover us tonight.”

They walk off, readying the castle for another day’s adventure.

[ 04-25-2002, 04:04 PM: Message edited by: Black Knight ]