by L. R. W. Lee
“And what did you get today?” he asked Andy.
Andy glanced at the lord’s wife. “The lady graced me with a kiss.”
His brow furrowed, and Lady Amareta told him what Andy had done for her.
“Well, very good. Such good sport.”
Over dinner he regaled everyone with the story of his hunt. Andy began to suspect he was just a good excuse for the lord to do what he loved most.
“What say we do this again tomorrow?”
Andy grinned but couldn’t refuse. After dinner, he cleaned and packed the venison his host had given him. At least I won’t go hungry on my quest for the Green Knight.
The next morning the lord again left the manor before Andy rose. Over a late breakfast he asked, “Lady Amareta, is there anything you need done? I’m happy to help.”
“No need. That’s what we have servants for.”
“I insist. I appreciate your hospitality, but I’d like to repay you, especially after your husband gave me his kill.”
She smiled. “Very well. Would you mind teaching Bertram a few knightly things?”
Andy chuckled. “It would be an honor, my lady.”
After breakfast, the boy joined him. “Do you want to be a knight someday?” The lad nodded enthusiastically and Andy tousled his hair. “Come with me.”
The boy followed Andy to his room where he showed him every piece of his armor. Bertram tried on the breastplate and pauldron—they tilted precariously from his narrow shoulders and hung down to his knees but he beamed and begged Andy to add his helmet, which he did with a chuckle. The effect with his small legs and feet sticking out was too funny and Andy bit back a laugh. After lunch Andy showed him how to hold a sword.
“I want to show Mother!” Bertram insisted.
I wonder where he gets that from. Andy chuckled as the boy dragged him before his mother.
Lady Amareta held a hand to her chest and oohed and aahed as her son told her everything he’d learned.
When he finished, the lady kissed Andy once on each cheek. “I can’t thank you enough!”
Andy blushed once more.
When the lord returned that night, he dropped a boar at Andy’s feet.
“And what did you get today?” the man asked.
Andy glanced at the lord’s wife. “The lady graced me with two kisses, my lord.”
Lady Amareta recounted the events that had precipitated the kisses, and the lord laughed. “I’m sure my son will never forget you.”
On the third day, the lady offered Andy a green silk belt for his kindness in continuing to work with Bertram. The fabric was exquisite. “I can’t accept this. It’s too much.”
“Nonsense. You see how my boy lights up.” In the end she persuaded him, adding, “This may look like an ordinary belt, but it can protect the wearer from death.”
Andy would be heading back out in search of the Green Knight and wanted to believe the belt’s ability to protect him. “Thank you.”
When the lord returned that night, he handed Andy the skin from the fox he’d killed.
“And what did you get today?” the lord asked Andy.
He hesitated, drawing a furrowed brow. “Nothing, sir.”
The lord chuckled. “What, no kisses from my beautiful bride?”
Andy shook his head.
“Very well.”
“The snow has melted sufficiently. I will take my leave in the morning,” Andy informed the family after dinner. Bertram frowned.
The next morning Andy donned his full armor. He first put on the green belt the lady gave him, even though his conscience burned. After warm good-byes, he set out to find the Green Knight.
By midday he spotted some tracks and followed them to a small chapel in the woods. To his surprise, the Green Knight, helmet on, stepped out the front doors as he approached.
The Green Knight cleared his throat before exclaiming, “You found me! Come to face your reward?”
Andy’s stomach roiled and he inhaled. “I am a man of my word. Let’s get this over with.”
“Very well.”
Why’s that expression sound familiar…?
He motioned Andy to follow, and they went around back to a sheltered glen free of snow.
“You used a sword on me. I shall use my axe.”
Andy held his arms at his sides and closed his eyes. It’ll all be over soon.
“Look at me!”
Andy opened his eyes.
The Green Knight raised his weapon and took a swing.
Andy held his breath.
The knight diverted the blade and laughed.
Andy exhaled.
“Just having a little fun with you.”
Andy gave him a dirty look. “Just get it over with.”
He nodded.
Andy again held his breath.
The Green Knight again toyed with Andy, swishing the blade past harmlessly. More laughter.
Andy growled. “Are you going to kill me or not?”
“Okay. Okay. I’ll do it this time.”
Andy’s heart sped up. He had no idea it could beat so fast. He inhaled.
The knight raised the axe and swiped.
Andy’s neck burned and he felt warmth trickle from where the blade bit. He drew a hand. “You didn’t kill me! This is ridiculous! The challenge is fulfilled! No more!”
The man laughed again. He pulled his helmet off and Andy beheld the lord of the manor at which he had stayed.
“You. But why?” Andy asked.
“Three days you stayed with us. Three swings of my axe. I drew blood on the third stroke because you did not exchange what you gained yesterday. I know about the belt.”
Andy gasped as hot guilt coursed through his veins, burning as it went.
“Despite that one infraction, you are a knight without equal in honor, Sir Gawain.”
Andy shook his head. “You’re wrong. I lied to you. I have lost my honor and failed at my duty.”
The Green Knight smiled then patted Andy’s cheek. “We all fail from time to time, but it’s the lessons we learn in the process that truly matter. I believe truth-telling shall never leave you again.”
“Thank you, sir.”
Andy sat back and reflected on the story. I’ve definitely screwed up and told a few lies. The memory of nearly causing the collapse of Castle Avalon and his ensuing cover-up leapt to mind and he squirmed. Several other infractions followed quickly on its heels and Andy slumped in the chair. Somehow I don’t think “lie” is the password for that letter.
Andy googled supporting texts to see if they might help. One citation said, “In English tradition it is common for Sir Gawain to be the principal hero and exemplify testing of honor and dignity.”
Honor and dignity! Of course! Sir Gawain learned his lesson about lying or he wouldn’t be so respected today. Andy stilled the foot he’d been wiggling. Have I? He bit his lip.
Malcolm seemed to sense Andy’s angst for he asked, “How about a game of Dragon Domination?”
*****
The end of April arrived, and rain regularly pitter-patted the windows, unusual for Texas. No one complained, however, for summer was sure to be dry as a bone. Thunder greeted Andy Saturday morning. He wiped sleep from his eyes as he stumbled into the kitchen, followed closely by Malcolm who whistled.
Andy glared at him.
The centaur raised both hands in surrender and ceased. “Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bedroll.”
Mom, dressed in tunic and breeches, handed Andy an envelope as she chided, “Decided to get up early, I see. Why, it’s only eleven o’clock.”
“Been to Oomaldee again?”
“Just got back.” Mom sighed. “Abaddon’s demoralizing the people. He’s turning every single citizen he can get his hands on into those detestable fowls. It’s keeping the regents on their toes, but they’re doing the best they can. Between that and readying the military to rescue Father, retake the castle, and protect the land, they’re stretched
thin.”
“They’re gonna try and rescue Father?”
“They’ve tried once already, but they hit that invisible shield, the same one Alden hit, and they can’t breach it. They’re at an impasse as to what to do. Seems you’re the only one who can get through.”
Andy balled his hands into fists. I need to solve this riddle faster!
“How’s Father? Did you see him?”
“I didn’t. But I’m staying positive that he’s…”
She didn’t have to finish the sentence. Andy’s stomach tensed. He exhaled loudly. “Did you get anyone else to join us?”
“I’m still working on the giants, but—” Mom grimaced. “Between you and me, let’s just say they’re not the sharpest tools in the shed. The guys keep beating each other—bunch of brutes. But I did get positive confirmation from the merpeople and kappas. We’re getting there.”
Andy gave a half smile.
Changing the subject, Mom said, “I see you’ve been drinking a lot more milk these days. That and cereal seems to be going out of style. You must be growing. Just make sure to add them to the grocery list if you run out.”
“Okay,” Andy agreed as she left.
Malcolm opened the fridge and grabbed the milk then selected Corn Pops from the pantry, got himself a bowl, and united the two at the breakfast bar.
“Here, have a spoon,” Andy offered, grabbing one from the drawer.
“Thank you.” Taking a bite, the centaur gushed, “Mmm. Mmm. Mmm. This stuff is so good! I can’t get enough!”
Andy pulled out a chair next to Malcolm and tore open the letter from Alden and Hannah that Mom had just handed him.
Andy,
You doing okay? Hannah’s worried about you. When you told us about flying somewhere without a Pegasus, in your last letter, she started getting concerned about your safety, as well as that of the queen. Do be careful. We need you both back safe…which we’re hoping will be soon.
Yeah, me too…
We found a library here. It’s nowhere as big as the one on Sometimes Island, but it’s bigger than Mermin’s. We were looking through some of the books and found several written by da Vinci. Hannah remembered you mentioning the name, so we looked at one. Wow! There are sketches of all sorts of inventions—things that fly, a giant crossbow, something he called an assault chariot. And he drew human anatomy, flowers, so many things. It’s like whatever he saw, he drew. His sketches are amazing! And to think he also sculpted Sir Gawain, Sir Kay, and several other of the statues. The guy was brilliant.
That’s the biggest news for now. Can’t wait to see you again!
Alden & Hannah
Yeah, I can’t wait to see you too. If I could only figure out where that letter is... Andy ran a hand through his unruly hair.
“Bad news?”
“No. It’s just that I can’t figure out where that letter might be. And I can’t ask you or anyone else for help.”
Malcolm poured another bowl of cereal. “Well, when you figure out where you think it might be, I’ll take you. I may not be able to help you noodle it out, but there’s nothing saying I can’t take you, is there?”
“No.” Andy grinned. “Thanks.”
Malcolm raised his spoon.
Andy folded the letter. ‘Whatever he saw, he drew.’ Wait a minute! Did da Vinci see the heart of Oomaldee working? Might he have drawn it? Andy’s eyes popped.
“What’d I miss?” the centaur queried as Andy dashed for the computer.
An hour later Andy had tracked down a large body of da Vinci’s scientific writings and sketchbooks called the Codex Leicester. While many of its pages had been photographed and posted online, scanning through them turned up no sketches resembling how Andy envisioned Oomaldee’s heart would look based on the parts he’d found. But he was encouraged by various references that mentioned not all pages were yet available online. Andy learned that the document had emerged in Italy long ago, and Bill Gates had bought it for over thirty million dollars in 1994. Since then it had traveled around the US on public display.
“We need to go to the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh!” Andy announced, beaming.
“Why’s that?” Malcolm peered over the top of his glasses.
“It’s where the Codex Leicester is on display. I have to see if da Vinci sketched Oomaldee’s heart. If he did, I’ll know how to put it together.”
The centaur stood and kicked up his hooves, upsetting a vase on the table. Andy dove to catch it before it met a hard-floored fate. “Good catch! Sorry about that. Well, what are we waiting for?” A broad grin spread across Malcolm’s face.
Andy dashed upstairs and retrieved the three parts along with his backpack. “Ready!” he panted, returning to the study.
The centaur keyed the address of the museum into his tablet. Andy felt a giant vacuum suck on his head, then his chest, legs, and feet, and everything went dark. As the lights came up he found himself standing in front of a mammoth, modern-looking, silver building.
“Whoa! What just happened?”
“Your destination, as requested.”
“How—?”
“GPS on Oomaldee time bypasses the time-space continuum as well as the laws of thermodynamics and conservation of mass. I—”
Andy held up a hand. “Sorry I asked. As long as we can get back when we need to.”
Malcolm brightened. “Of course. All we have to do…”
Andy just shook his head and chuckled.
They passed a collection of black sculptures on their way to the front door. At least those people aren’t in pain. Why must everyone feel compelled to use black stone for their statues?
“Two, please,” Andy indicated at the ticket counter.
The guy looked behind and around Andy, then rubbed his bearded chin, not seeing Malcolm.
“Thought I’d contribute to the museum and buy two tickets rather than just mine.”
The ticketmaster’s brow wrinkled, but he handed Andy two stubs.
“Thank you.” Andy grinned.
“Hey, there’s a map,” Andy pointed after passing the ticket taker.
The da Vinci exhibit entrance wasn’t far, but as they traced the line to get in, they found it stretched down the main gallery and around two corners.
“It’s gonna take for-ever,” Andy moaned. “Can you—?”
“Already on it.” The centaur grabbed his tablet and made like a woodpecker, initiating a sucking sensation to Andy’s head and extremities once again.
“Malcolm?” A female voice echoed into the darkness. The sea of people looking over the exhibit froze as they plunged into Oomaldee-time. The lights came up and a lady centaur dressed in an ebony tunic that flowed to her fuzzy auburn knees came into focus. She lowered the bow she gripped in a gauntleted fist. A saddlebag hung about her equine middle, and two full quivers of arrows, one on either side. Two white daisies sprouted from above her right ear, accenting her French-braided, strawberry blonde locks.
More daisies? What’s with centaurs and daisies?
“Malcolm? Is that really you? Malcolm!”
The two dove into a hug that broadcast there was a lot more going on between them. After a full minute, Malcolm finally stepped back, brought the back of her hand to his mouth, and pressed a kiss to it.
The lady centaur ran a hand down his jaw and smiled. “You look so…different.”
Malcolm chuckled. “I could say the same.”
Andy cleared his throat.
Without breaking eye contact with the lady centaur, Malcolm said, “Andy, I’d like you to meet Lorica. Lorica, this is Andy.”
The centaur caught Andy’s raised brows and turned to face him. “Pleased to make your acquaintance. So you’re the one.”
“The one?”
“The one who’s going to fix Oomaldee’s heart.”
“How’d you know?”
Lorica rolled her eyes at Malcolm.
“Oh, right.”
Malcolm slid an arm around
Lorica’s waist, and Andy smiled.
Lorica beamed and returned a wink. “Even after all these years, you still turn my heart to jello, you big stud.”
Andy felt his face flush and looked to the floor. “So…I’m looking for a letter. I think it might be a drawing of Oomaldee’s heart by Leonardo da Vinci.”
Malcolm shook his head as if coming out of a trance. “Yes. That’s right. You are.” The big guy sucked in a deep breath, which made Lorica giggle.
“Guys, can we focus for just a couple minutes?” Andy cleared his throat. “I’m assuming that’s what you’ve been guarding all these years?”
The lady centaur remained distracted, grinning at Malcolm.
Andy rolled his eyes. He looked across exhibit-goers studying the contents of row on row of white, glass-topped display cases. “Lorica.”
Andy’s tone got her attention at last and he asked, “You’ve been around these pages for a really long time. Is there a drawing that looks like a mechanical heart?”
Lorica cocked her head and looked toward the ceiling. Andy waited while her eyes swiveled, as if a magnet sorted through her thoughts, pulling one then another to the surface of her memory. At length she responded, “No…I haven’t seen anything fitting that description.”
Andy frowned and rubbed the back of his neck. “Well, is there some question you’re supposed to ask me to prove I’m worthy of seeing something?”
Malcolm nodded. “Yeah, that’s a great idea.”
Lorica furrowed her brow. “No.”
“Then why is she here?” Andy frowned.
“Wait…” Lorica raised her pointer finger. “Is this what you’re looking for?” She scrounged in her saddlebag and extracted a parchment envelope. “Merlin gave me this but never told me what it was for. He said to hang onto it. So I have. All these years. Here.”
Andy smiled as writing appeared on the front:
“What eye hath not seen in many a year
shall become sight if thou art worthy.”
Here we go again. Andy felt his mouth go dry as he opened the envelope and pulled out a single sheet of paper. One question greeted him:
