The Dark Knight's Heart

Chapter 12

"Looking for me?". The surprisingly tall knight asked with a smirk on her face.

"Me?...of course not...err". Sam feigned a laugh as he scratched his head. "What's your name darling?". Briane asked, leaning closer to his face.

"She smells like spices". Samuel thought as her scent filled his head. His breathing turned erratic as his eyes wandered.

Her green almond eyes held a warmth unlike anything he had seen. He let his eyes wander some more, down her plump lips.

Then to her chest, his eyes rested there for a while, staring at the golden Lotus on her armor.
He suddenly felt a rush of anger as he clenched his fist.

"I asked a question". She repeated, still staring at him. With a heavy sigh, Sam walked away with hugs strides.

"What the...". Briane looked surprised by his actions as she stared at his back.

Her lips curved up into a smile as she turned her attention to the princesses.

"My ladies". She bowed as she walked away. Looking at each other with widened eyes, Elara and Aria couldn't help but look confused by what transpired.

A loud laugh erupted from the priest as he shook hands with Arthur.

"So...this is the Skarvslayer eh?". The old man said, showing his pearly whites. "Well, on behalf of the order, you have our thanks ser Arthur".

"I'm not a ser". Arthur said, his face calm as usual. "Nonsense...I'd love to have you in my ranks one of these days". The priest teased they walked into the palace.

Looking behind him, Arthur watched as Sam disappeared behind a pillar. He tilted his head wandering what his friend was up to.

_ _ _ _
"Shit shit shit". Sam cursed repeatedly as he kicked a stone, which unfortunately hit a patrolling guard.

"Hey...who threw that?". The now fuming guard yelled, as he looked around.

Sam turned his head immediately, whistling sweet nonsense as he walked further away from the celebration.

The streets were packed with people, each trying to get a glimpse of the holy knights.

Children could be seen sitting on their parents shoulders, as they got a better view of the knights.

Sam rolled his eyes, as he walked further away from the palace. "Fuckin hypocrites". He cursed.

"Where you going?". He heard someone call, as he turned around. His eyes widened in surprise, as the inn keeper approached him.

"Hiya". She smiled at him, as her pigtails danced in the wind. "Hey". He replied shortly as he continued walking.

"You looked bummed...wanna talk?". She asked, as she tried keeping up with his pace.

"No, not really". Sam walked even faster. "Well, if you're looking for a place to cool off...come with me". The inn keeper held his arm as she pulled him through an alley.

They soon arrived at wooden house with a small garden by the door. Yellow lamps hung from the walls, giving it a warm look.

"This doesn't look like a pub". Sam teased as they walked into the building. "It's my place". She said as she locked the door.

"Oh...uh huh". He nodded as he looked around the room. A small dining table sat in the middle of the lightly furnished room.

A wood furnace, placed at the corner of the room and a battle axe hung above it.

"You can place your lute and sword on the table...". She said as Sam raised a brow at her. "Don't worry...I'm not gonna steal it". She teased as she walked into the small kitchen.

Sam sighed as he sat on the wooden chair by the table. "Nice place you got here". He said as she handed him a cup of water.

"Thank you...er...". "Sam...my name is Sam". He completed as he took a huge gulp. "Nice to meet you Sam...I'm Anna". She smiled as she sat across him.

"The pleasure is all mine". He said as he grabbed his lute, playing soft tunes on it as his thoughts wandered.

"What do you think of them?...the holy knights?". He asked with his eyes closed facing the wooden ceiling.

"Err...the Order eh?... just a bunch of pretentious cunts". Anna spat as she crossed her arms. "Why do you ask?".

"Ever heard of Nordhagen?". Sam asked looking at her. She looked at him surprised as she sat up straight.

"Yes...I heard about what happened some years ago". She sighed. "But Sam...".

"So you know what they did". He interrupted. His grip on his lute tightened as he stood up. "That was the last time I saw my family, my home".

"I...I'm so sorry". Anna said as she walked up to him. "Everyone remembers the cleansing years ago...it was a bloody time".

"And yet...people worship them?... they're monsters!". He gritted his teeth as he stared out the window.

"Hey...look at me". She called out, cupping his face in hers.

"They can't just act like it never happened". He said as a tear ran down his cheek. "I pretend to put everything behind me...everyday...playing stupid songs for stupid people and...".

"They did the same thing to my village too...that's how I found myself here in the capital". She cut him off.

"The Order has ruined a lot of lives Sam...no one can do or say anything about it...not even the king".

"Yeah...they basically put him on the farkin throne". Sam joked as he wiped his face with his sleeve.

"You...are you alone here too?". She asked, staring into his eyes.

"I'm not...". He said with a smile. "I'm with Arthur now...he's like...he's my family". He admitted as his brows furrowed.

He knows that everyone has a scar they try to cover up, but some are more deep than others.

"Well...here's to better days ahead Sam". Anna handed him a cup of ale. "I'll drink to that". He laughed as they chugged the liquid down.

Outside the building, Arthur's lips curved into a rather genuine smile as he shook his head.

Looking at Sam again, he turned around. "Family huh". He said as he walked away.