The Wise Knight

“Many have come along this path. What you seek, so shall you’ll find. Beware the one who stays too long for he shall stay until he’s bones. Be swift, be true, and steer clear of evil, for just two mistakes will spell your doom.” The old man chanted near the town’s gate.

“Crazy old coot.” Sir Braunwin shouted as his horse trotted out the gate toward the Mizzatar ruins. His ruddy locks of hair bounced at random upon his silvery armor.

He rode for five hours straight until he came to a pond just outside the ruins’ entrance. His horse drank from the still water. Braunwin dismounted while Clyde waded into the water to cool off.

Braunwin consulted the old map. “Follow the path to the right once inside the entrance.”

He whistled for Clyde, mounted, and continued down the right path inside the entrance. A steep stone ramp led to a large hidden wooden door. He approached the door, stumbled, and stepped upon devil’s horns etched in the ramp. He fell to the ground as a spear shot head high into the wall. “Steer clear of evil? First mistake? Nah.”

He pulled the handle, but it didn’t budge. He unsheathed his sword and pried open the door. The old hinges creaked as a cold breeze smacked Braunwin’s face.

He stepped into the chamber, sword drawn. Several skeletons lay on the floor with dusty cobwebs seemingly cementing them in place. An intricate tapestry hung on the wall. Its lines and colorful threads hypnotized him. He sat staring, not realizing how much time had passed. His horse whinnied in the dark night breaking the trance.

“You know. It’s my birthday and my life is greater than treasure. Guess the old man isn’t crazy. I found something after all. Let’s go, Clyde.”



300 Words
Flash Story Must contain: Birthday, Hair, Follow