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 broke his leg in the jousting match. He will be out for at least eight weeks. You are my first squire now. And our training might as well begin, shan’t it?”
“Of course, sire,” Thor responded.
Thor’s mind was swimming. He could hardly believe it. For the first time in a while, he felt as if luck was finally turning his way. Now he was first squire to the greatest knight of all. He felt as if he had leapfrogged over all his friends.
The five of them continued on, heading west into the setting sun, Erec walking slowly on his horse beside them.
“I assume you have been to the Canyon, sire?” Thor asked.
“Many times,” Erec responded. “My first patrol. I was your age, in fact.”
“And how did you find it?” Reece asked.
All four boys turned and stared at him as they went, rapt with attention. Erec rode on for some time in silence, looking straight ahead, his jaw set.
“Your first time is an experience you never forget. It is hard to explain. It is a strange and foreign and mystical and beautiful place. On the other side lie unimaginable dangers. The bridge to cross it is long and steep. There are many of us patrolling—but always, you feel alone. It is nature at its best. It crushes man to be in its shadow. Our men have patrolled it for hundreds of years. It is a rite of passage. You do not fully understand danger without it; you cannot become a knight without it.”
He fell back into silence. The four boys looked at each other, queasy.
“Should we expect a skirmish on the other side then?” Thor asked.
Erec shrugged.
“Anything is possible, once you reach the Wilds. Unlikely. But possible.”
Erec looked down at Thor.
“Do you want to be a great squire, and one day, a great knight?” he asked, looking right at Thor.
Thor’s heart beat faster.
“Yes, sire, more than anything.”
“Then there are things you must learn,” Erec said. “Strength is not enough; agility is not enough;
