659 The Next Destination (1/2)
'Knights Templar of Hospital', that was what the adults called it. The child has only seen them once. It was a pity that they were stationed too far away from here. Typically, one would have to follow the path towards the west for half a month and pass through the vast desert before being able to find them in a small oasis.
The desert was full of danger. That was what the adults told him, so the child was planning to wait till he was older before going forth to find those majestic knights. Just like in the stories, he would serve as their squire, help them to sharpen their long swords, polish their boots, pick up some abilities and undergo tough training. One day, they would acknowledge him and that was when he would also become a member of the knights.
But he could wait no longer. He was still six years away from being 14 years old. He looked up at the burning sun as he waved the wooden sword in his hands. Six more years.
When he turned back, he saw a small black dot from far away. Someone was approaching. That person was riding on a horse but the clipping of the horse's hooves sounded weak and tired. As they got nearer, the child realized that the person on horseback was very old. He was wearing an old and torn robe and looked like a beggar, as his beard was messy and his face looked dirty. He looked neither impressive nor strong. He did not look like a knight yet he was riding a horse. When the horse, which was covered with spots of mud and dust, came nearer, the old knight looked to be in terrible shape and was barely breathing.
”Water…” The frail old knight looked at him and pleaded, ”Please give me a bowl of water.”
He ruffled around his robe and took out two copper coins that were covered with sweat and dirt. The child hesitated before accepting the coins and running away. After some time, he came back with a bowl of water. The water was taken from a well that was dug out from saline-alkaline soil so the water tasted bitter. Some of the water has been spilled along the way as the child ran all the way back. Nevertheless, when the old knight accepted the bowl of water, he treated it as if it was treasure and drank it in large gulps. He drank half of the water before hesitating and eventually deciding to get down his horse and feeding his horse the rest of the water.
It was only now that the child noticed that beneath the dirt and dust, the horse actually seemed to be dark green in color. Strangely enough, it was the same color as the old knight's robe. The strange horse rolled its eyes and looked at the child before licking him suddenly. The old knight laughed and caressed the horse's head, ”It likes you.”
The child touched the saliva on his face and seemed to be in a daze. The old knight carefully licked the remaining water droplets in the bowl before wiping his mouth and beard clean. His voice was still hoarse, ”May I know where is the next village?”
”Towards the north. It will take two days of travelling. It is very far away.” The child pointed into the distance and looked at the old knight's bag of money, ”You can take a rest first. You can stay in my house tonight. My house has a clean guest room and there is warm water and dinner. It will only cost five coins.”
It was an affordable price but the old knight hesitated before shaking his head and replying in his hoarse voice, ”I don't have time.”
With that, he patted the horse's head and the horse slowly rode towards the north. The child was a little disappointed. It was rare to see any foreigners in this place.
”Are you leaving now?” He asked, ”Where are you going?”
”To the next destination,” the old knight said, ”And then the next.”
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After three hours, a thunderous sound could be heard from far away. The ground shook. Burning metal armor formed silhouettes in the hot sunlight and the cloaks of the scarlet crusade blew in the wind.