Opening Moves (The Lion Knight Book 1) Read online

The usually buttoned up blue overcoat hung open, revealing an open compartment in the knight’s chest.

  Countless gears, widgets and other mechanical parts nestled within, wrapped up in a lattice of shimmering threads.

  Multiple glowing crystals were embedded within the machinery, each emitting a dull hum and pulsing to their own individual frequency.

  As it was though, the machinery within remained inactive, none of the parts in motion. The pulsating glow of the Ceph crystals within the only signs of life.

  And so the knight sat stationary on the chair, dead to the world and for all intents and purposes a piece of art.

  Clad in a sky blue long coat with silver trim bearing a lion’s head, the knight was the image of nobility.

  Dark silver bracers and greaves with a hint of blue were equipped to its arms and legs, a simple full face helmet rounded out its set of light armour.

  Intricate runes were etched onto the silver trim of the coat and armour, further increasing the beauty of the puppet and giving it an air of mystery at the same time

  An immaculately designed mechanical puppet in the shape of a knight, a wonder to behold but bereft of any conceivable purpose.

  To the unaware, the puppet was nothing more than a curious toy. To the experienced, a deadly weapon in the hands of a skilled puppet user.

  As it was, the control glove was lying off to the side and Leon was supplying no flux to the puppet.

  As such, the general consensus would have been along the lines that the puppet was not a threat of any kind.

  And… the general consensus would be wrong.

  “Flux lines disconnected, systems all green. Auto intercept system test is go in 3… 2… 1…”

  He launched a piece of scrap metal at the knight with a flick of his wrist.

  Leon waited with baited breath to see if his calculations were on the money this time round.

  The piece of scrap tumbled end over end, seemingly in slow motion. All appearances indicated a direct hit being imminent.

  As the distance between the projectile and the target shrank rapidly, any observer would be puzzled as to the purpose of the test.

  Striking a single unmoving target at such a short range was hardly something difficult to do.

  Snick.

  A small noise came from the knight and a silver flash caught Leon’s eye. His eyes lit up in glee as he stared triumphantly at the remains of the scrap metal piece.

  Both parts lay on the floor next to the knight after rebounding off the wall, neatly bisected down the middle.

  There before Leon stood his masterpiece in all its glory.

  The knight in a ready stance, one arm out with sword drawn.

  Faster than most people could perceive, a single sword slash had been launched and the offending projectile cut down.

  A strike so fine even masters of the blade would have trouble replicating the act.

  A perfect interception.

  Flinging yet more scrap at the puppet, this time launching more than five shards at once. The artist waited to see if his masterpiece would rise to the occasion one more time.

  He wasn’t disappointed.

  Multiple silver flashes and sparks lit up the room, each piece cleanly deflected and sliced through with minimal effort.

  Each strike too fast to be anything more than a blur and a flash to the naked eye. Observing the results, Leon couldn’t hold back any more and burst out laughing.

  “It works! It works! The auto-intercept system works! Ahahahaha, damn, the fusion between the new optics and the auto invoke protocol work like a charm. And another step towards complete autonomy is taken this magnificent day. Soon my puppet legions will rise! Ahahaha!”

  Loud banging came through the wall from the neighbouring room “Quiet down you brat! Some people are trying to sleep here!”

  Wincing slightly at his faux pas, Leon yelled back a quick sorry before packing up his things, mentally questioning who would be sleeping in at two in the afternoon.

  Stowing away his things in his rucksack before shoving it all under the bed, Leon slipped on his control glove and his boots before reactivating manual control of his clockwork knight.

  Giving his creation one last stare, Leon sighed as his grumbling stomach gave him a painful reminder of the fact his last meal was over seven hours ago.

  “Well first things first yeah? Things to be done by the tonight. One, lunch, I sure as hell am not missing out on at least one good meal. Two find a well-paying job with minimal commitment. Three, replenish depleted stocks to… less pathetic levels. And four, find a proper name for you. Can’t keep calling you puppet now can I?”

  A brief bout of self-deprecating laughter rocked Leon as he failed to elicit a reply.

  “Wonderful, I’m talking to myself again, that's a sure sign of insanity isn’t it?”

  Shaking his head and slapping himself on his cheeks to perk himself up, Leon stood and walked out the room, giving one last look at his puppet before locking the door and heading on his way.

  All the while doing his best to move quickly without breaking into a run or looking too awkward as his stomach began violently protesting its vile emptiness.

  Stepping out into the town proper, Leon took a good look around the place, not really having the time to do so earlier.

  The afternoon sun shone through the clouds down on the town, bathing the buildings in a golden tone. The dust kicked up into the air by the daily activities of the people caught and reflected the light, giving the place an almost ethereal glow.

  “Impressive, I’ve been to so many places in both the federation and the empire and this small town is actually among the most spectacular of them. Just impressive.”

  “My my, I couldn’t help but overhear you, would you perchance be a tourist just arriving here today?”

  Turning to face the speaker, Leon beheld an elderly man whose eyes betrayed the vitality left in his body.

  “Yes I am, um… May I know who I’m speaking with?”

  “Ho there, I am Reginald Seymour, I used to be the village elder when this place was still just a small settlement. Now… I guess I am the town mayor of sorts? You can call me Regis though, most everyone around these parts do so.”

  Giving Leon a genial smile while introducing himself, his friendly exuberance was infectious.

  “I see then, so uh, Regis right? Do you happen to know any good places to eat around here, preferably one that uh, won’t burn a hole in my pocket?”

  “Of course I do young man.” A bright smile lit up Regis’s face.

  “Just head down the main road towards the town centre, take the second left and walk all the way to the end. You will arrive at the Ysmos. It's a family run restaurant featuring some of the best local delicacies and specialities. Rest assured, the prices are pretty affordable since most of the ingredients are grown locally.”

  Giving Leon another winning smile, he continued in an upbeat tone.

  “There are a few other restaurants and bars scattered around the place but they’re a little more expensive. Now young man anything else I can help you with or will that be all.”

  “That is more than enough kind sir, thank you for your assistance. My name’s Leon, I am a squire to a wandering knight and we are both residing in the inn.”

  Bowing low in thanks and giving his own introduction.

  He decided that now was as good a time as any to spread the word about the services he was offering.

  “My liege and I will be here for the next week or so before we set off for Bose. In that time should you have need of a steady sword or simple physical labour, we are willing to take on the job as long as it’s within the time frame. It is my master’s wish that we help as many people as possible so our fees are relatively low, all he asks for is enough payment for our food, lodging and equipment maintenance.”

  “Oho! A travelling knight and his squire eh? Your kind is a rare and dying breed, most knights nowadays choose to stick with only one lord a
nd just leech of the land. The idea of helping the common folk is just inconceivable to them.”

  A bitter expression fluttered across Regis’s face before disappearing as quickly as it came. Leon caught it clear as day though.

  “It heartens me greatly to see that there are still some good souls out there willing to aid the people. Rest assured, should the town have need of your master’s services we will call upon you and ample recompense will be provided.”

  A bright smile lit up his face and he gave Leon a bow.

  “Enjoy your stay and your meal young lion, should you have need of any assistance, feel free to ask anyone on the street.”

  Spinning on his heel, Regis walked off whistling a jaunty tune every step off the way.

  Shouting out one last thank you to the man, Leon set off on his own path, following the directions given by the stranger.

  In just about any other place, any random stranger offering directions without needing to be asked would be the set up to a mugging, a scam or worse, an assassination attempt.

  But here, in this town, there was an air about it. Something Leon had never experienced anywhere else in his travels with Libra.

  The place seemed to be brimming with a sense of friendliness that existed no place else.

  It wasn’t just the buildings that glowed in the sunlight, the people themselves possessed an inner glow, something that made most everyone want to trust them.

  That man, Reginald Seymour. I remember now, he used to be captain of the guard here. He’s been retired from the militia for twenty years now if I recall.

  Sighing, he let a small smile slip across his face, mood somewhat improved by the unexpected encounter even if he was still puzzled about one thing.

  Still though, I am curious, what could possibly have cause him to have such hatred towards knights?

  So much malice, something must have happened to him a long time ago for such darkness to be festering in his heart.

  Observing his surroundings with a keen eye once more, Leon took note of each of the townsfolk going about their businesses.

  Strangely, he was unable to identify any potential threats.

  Well besides him, unless everyone here is a consummate actor doing their best to keep up their image or trying to lure me into a trap… a ludicrous notion if nothing else.

  Albri really does live up to her reputation as one of the friendliest places on earth.

  Letting no one know of his internal musings, the teenager arrived at his destination, the Ysmos with the smile still on his face.

  Taking a quick glance at the menu on display, the small smile grew into a large grin subconsciously.

  Eyes as wide as dinner plates, Leon was practically drooling at the miracle he beheld.

  “Whoa, when he said the prices were affordable, he wasn’t kidding. With the portions they serve at that price I could really stuff myself. Ahahahah! I’m gonna enjoy this.”

  Finding a seat in the crowded restaurant was a bit of a problem but he eventually managed to secure one.

  Somehow managing to resist the urge to salivate at the multitude of wondrous aromas wafting around the place, Leon managed gather his wits long enough to place his order.

  “I’ll have one Glenwood roast platter, one plate of Orion steamed buns, two soup of the days and one house special. Oh. And one glass of Albri’s famous apple juice please.”

  As the chef prepared his order, Leon sat quietly stewing in his seat.

  The waiting was sheer agony for him.

  Having to endure the multitude of mouth-watering scents and his stomach constantly protesting its soul crushing emptiness was an exercise in endurance for the poor boy.

  It took extreme force of will for him to not break down and start crying.

  After an eternity that was really just a quarter of an hour, Leon’s saving grace arrived.

  Three large plates brimming with delicacies were set before him, along with two bowls of piping hot soup and a glass of freshly squeezed world famous apple juice.

  Thick golden gravy ran down the sides of the roast pheasant.

  Steam wafted up from the buns. The house special, a plate of sticky rice with a trout from Athuria Lake grilled to perfection with sauces and spices applied liberally to the dish.

  The thick gravy caught the sunlight and seemed to shimmer before Leon’s eyes.

  He lost all sense of reason the instant it clicked that all the food before him was his to savour.

  It made for an interesting sight to the other patrons and staff of the restaurant.

  A few of them stopped their own meals to watch the boy put away a meal for four. Attacking his food as though he were a starving man being given his first meal in days, Leon completely demolished everything put before him.

  By the time he was done, most people in the restaurant were watching him in horrified fascination.

  Letting out a contented sigh, Leon finally became aware of all the attention placed on him.

  Too full and satisfied to care about their opinions at the moment, he simply let his views be known to the world.

  “What?” He shrugged. “I was hungry.”

  After paying for the meal, Leon left the restaurant a new man.

  Virtually all of his earlier worries washed were washed away with his hunger.

  “Ahhhh perfect, just perfect. Now all I need is to find a jo-”

  “SQUIRE LEON!”

  A shout interrupted drew his attention and he spun on his feet, already registering the urgency and worry in the familiar voice.

  Regis was running towards him at full tilt, face flush and visibly straining to catch his breath. “Ah…goo…I…monster…need hel…”

  “Whoa… sir, please calm down, I’m afraid I can’t understand you like this.”

  Waving his hands in a placating manner, the young puppet master did his best to calm down the hyperventilating old man.

  Finally managing to calm down, Regis reiterated his earlier plea between deep breaths. “There’s… been a monster attack… in the umbra forest… we need… your master’s help.”

  Brows furrowing in confusion, Leon couldn't help but question “but it’s just after noon, aren’t the monsters of the Umbra Forest nocturnal?”

  “Normally yes, b-but this one’s different, we’ve never seen anything like it. According to the witnesses, the beast is a giant, easily four metres tall. It has the body of a lizard with many bone spikes jutting out and… and…”

  “And?”

  “And it has no head, only a giant maw where its neck should be. A maw filled to the brim with teeth as long as a man’s forearm.”

  Pausing to take a big gulp of air before continuing.

  “Please, you have to help us. That… that thing is endangering a class of children, and, and if nothing is done soon.” Regis’ pale face finished his statement for him.

  “Children!”

  Unable to resist exclaiming in shock, Leon’s face beheld a mortified expression.

  “What the hell are children doing in the Umbra Forest? That place is labelled monster infested for a reason!”

  “They were on a field trip to learn about the plant life in the forest, it was supposed to be safe with all the monsters asleep. This is the fourth class to go this week and the earlier ones had no problems. They were also accompanied by a group of veteran rangers capable of fighting off most any threat in the forest.”

  Leon’s brain was running into overdrive now as he processed the new information, trying to come up with a battle plan that would allow for both victory and the safety of the townsfolk.

  “I see, so measures were taken to reduce the danger. What went wrong then?”

  Schooling his features into a mask of seriousness, Leon began to dig for any and all helpful information.

  Seeing Leon’s calm facade helped reduce Regis’ fears somewhat.

  “According to one of the rangers who made it back, the beast showed up out of nowhere. There were zero signs of such a b
east even being present in the forest until it came crashing through the trees screeching. Nothing they did managed to stop it.”

  Drawing in a series of deep breaths to keep from hyperventilating again, he tried to rush the explanation

  “The thing went after the children and their teacher only. The injuries on the rangers came after the beast bulldozed straight through them and they were cut up by the bone spikes. The class managed to escape after the beast lost its footing chasing them and slid down a ravine. As of the ranger’s retreat, they are currently hiding in hiding in one of the caves near the heart of the forest with the monster trying to dig them out. That was two hours ago.”

  “The rangers couldn’t do anything to it and the people who have heard are afraid and rightly so. If the rangers couldn't do anything, they aren’t sure what else they can do to help. The children are currently safe but it’s just a matter of time before their shelter is gone and they become prey.”

  Dropping to his knees with his forehead pressed to the floor, Elder Regis began to beg to Leon’s great surprise.

  “Please, you have to help us, we have no soldiers in this town and the nearest outpost is the border garrison. By the time they respond to our request for help it will be far too late to save anyone. Please I’m begging you… we’re begging you, help us. If… if it’s money your lord desires we are willing to pay.”

  Brain finally rebooting, Leon rushed to help the elder to his feet.

  “No need to beg sir, of course my lord will be willing to help. It is why we’re on the road in the first place. As to payment, I’ve said it before, all we require is enough money to finance our travels.”

  “Tha-thank you. Thank you so much.”

  “No sir, don’t thank us yet, you are welcome to give my lord your thanks once everyone has been rescued.”

  Giving Regis a confident smile and a salute

  “Leave it to us sir, we’ll have your people brought home safely and rid you of the threat at the same time.”

  Dashing back to the inn to grab his puppet and weapons, a grimace graced his face as he fed flux into the puppet, powering it up.

  Leon had finished analysing the information given by Regis and the conclusion he came to was both disturbing and worrying to Leon.