Tobias ran to the town square and searched the area for a spot where he could see over the crowd. Eyeing a stack of boxes adjacent to a produce cart, he ran over and scrambled atop them. Glancing over the crowd he just caught sight of the back of the knight as the horse carried him out the other side of the square. The sun reflected off his armor brilliantly as he sat straight backed and high on his steed. As he rounded the corner and disappeared Tobias heard his mother’s call.

“Did you see him?” he asked giddily when he got back to his mother.

“No, dear. I couldn’t see through the crowd” she said. “But we aren’t here to see him anyway. Or have you forgotten why we came into town today?”

“I know, I know,” Tobias said still excited. He grabbed a stick off the ground and began swinging it like a sword. “He’s going to help though; I can feel it. He’s going to get rid of the problem.”

His mother smiled at her son. “Come on, my fierce warrior. Let’s get the stuff we came for and get back to the farm.”

The entire town seemed to be abuzz with the arrival of the knight. The clerk at the general store was discussing him with the patron he was helping and as she stepped away with her goods and Tobias and his mother approached, he turned to help them but didn’t change the topic of conversation.

“Good day, Lauren. Did you see Sir Arthur Hallowspirit come through town earlier? Oh, I just know he’s going to figure out what’s been happening around here.”

“Hello Max,” Tobias’ mother replied. “I did not get to see him, but I certainly hope you’re correct. The deaths and damaged property need to stop or I’m afraid we won’t have much of a town to live in anymore.”

“I know,” Max said leaning in close. “My cousin lost half his flock three nights ago. He said that he heard the sheep bleating and carrying on near dusk. He went out to see what was happening and found pieces of his flock all over the field and the ones left alive huddled in a corner of the barn. He never saw what did it but expects he would have lost the entire lot if he hadn’t gone out.”

“My god, that’s terrible,” Lauren exclaimed. “Well, we better get going. Definitely want to be back home before nightfall. Thank you, Max and stay safe.”

“You too, Lauren. Say hello to Philip for me.”

Tobias helped his mother gather the goods they purchased, and they headed out into the street again.  The sun was beginning to descend in the sky and night would be coming quick this time of year.

“Mother,” Tobias started, “what killed Max’s cousin’s sheep and the Gilmore’s cattle, and the Lyon brothers?”

“We don’t know, Tobias,” Lauren said.

“But why are these bad things happening here and to us?”

“We don’t know that either, son. But remember, bad things happen all the time. They are as much a part of life as the good things.” Lauren took a second and then continued. “How you react to the bad things determines what kind of person you are. If you give up or quit every time something bad happens then you will never accomplish anything. You need to stand up and fight through the bad to get to the good. And that is why Sir Arthur has come to help. He is going to fight for us to stop whatever is doing all this.”

“I’m going to be like Sir Arthur someday.” Tobias exclaimed, swinging his stick again at an invisible foe. “I’m going to protect you and the farm and the whole town.”

“Yes you will honey. But not today. Let Sir Arthur handle this one.” Tobias smiled up at his mother as they left the town proper and headed towards their farm.

*******

It was three nights later when Tobias woke with a start as a ‘thud’ came from the side of the cabin. There were yelling voices in the distance and the sound of galloping hooves drawing closer. Tobias could hear his parents below his loft bed franticly talking but couldn’t make out what they were saying. He made his way to edge and peered down the ladder. There was a soft glow coming from the fireplace that was just out of sight on the lower level.

Another thud and the walls of the cabin shook. The hooves and yelling were getting closer and louder. His father came into view below as he made his way to the window on the side of the house. Suddenly, the glass shattered in as a beast covered in fur burst through. It landed in front of his father and without a moment’s hesitation raked across his face with a huge, clawed hand. Tobias’ breath was caught in his throat. Blood sprayed across the room as his father’s body collapsed and his mother’s blood curdling scream cut through the humid night air.

While Tobias crouched, stunned and unable to move from the top of the ladder, the beast leapt further into the cabin and out of sight, towards where Tobias knew his mother’s scream had come from. There was a sickening crunch followed by a gasping sound. Within seconds the door to the cabin burst open and Tobias caught a quick flash of silver as something rushed in. Sounds of metal and claws filled the air along with grunts and growling. And as quickly as it started the sounds ended. With a final solid thud all became quiet. Then the sound of metal and a man came into view of the loft as he looked at the broken window. He turned, whipping the blood from his sword as he looked down at Tobias’ father’s body lying on the floor. Then, he glanced up at Tobias, clutching the top of the ladder with both hands. Sir Arthur and Tobias stared at each other, and Tobias saw tears well in Sir Arthur’s eyes.

Tobias opened his eyes. It was dark still, but the sun was just about to break the horizon and birds were calling from the trees. He got himself up and immediately grabbed the iron pan from the sack next to his bedroll. He went to the fire pit, bent, and relite the still smoldering coals. As he prepared a modest breakfast there was movement to his right as Sir Arthur sat up and stretched.

“Good morning, Sir,” Tobias called out. “Breakfast will be ready in a few moments and then I’ll take the horses to the stream.”

“… Morning Toby,” Sir Arthur mumbled as he rose and started walking into the woods to relieve himself.

It had been 10 years since the night Sir Arthur killed the werewolf that tormented Felderwin. Tobias new that Sir Arthur had only taken him on as a squire because he felt guilt due to his parents’ death that night. At first Tobias had resented traveling with Sir Arthur as he had to leave the farm and Felderwin, which had been all he had known during this first 10 years of life. But as time passed Tobias came to admire the man. Sir Arthur treated him well and traveling across the country, watching Sir Arthur perform heroic deeds in the name of Pelor, the Dawnfather gave him a sense of pride and purpose. Tobias wanted to do the work that Sir Arthur did, he wanted to fight for the people that needed help against the injustice and monsters in the world. Unfortunately, Sir Arthur didn’t seem interested in training Tobias in the ways of martial combat. So, Tobias had taken it upon himself to learn to fight by watching what Sir Arthur did. He practiced as much as possible between cooking the meals, caring for the horses and his other duties. Of course, Sir Arthur saw him training but he never interfered. He also never offered any assistance or instruction.

Tobias plated the food and handed one to Sir Arthur when he returned. They sat in relative silence as they ate and then Tobias packed the camp and extinguished the fire as they prepared for the days travel. The day progressed without incident, and they didn’t meet any other travelers on the roadway. As dusk started to close in Sir Arthur and Tobias began looking for a place to camp for the night.

“How long do you think before we get to Alfield, Sir?” Tobias asked as their horses weaved through a thicket of trees heading to a clearing to make camp.

“…. Probably about 2 days more if we keep this pace.” Sir Arthur answered. After a minute or so of silence Sir Arthur continued, “Are you excited to be back in this area? We are fairly close to your hometown now, are we not?”

“We are, Sir. I believe Felderwin is just a couple days journey past Alfield.”

“Would you like to go there after we complete the job in Alfield?”

Tobias thought on it for a minute while they traveled in silence until finally, he answered, “No. I don’t think that’s necessary unless we have business there. There was nothing for me in Felderwin when we left.”

“Fair enough. Maybe…” Sir Arthur was cut off as a screech cut through the air. Birds rose out of the trees all around them at the sound and without hesitation Sir Arthur spurred is horse in that direction. The scream sounded like a woman in trouble however Tobias couldn’t help but feel uneasy as he followed the knight through the trees.

Sir Arthur was charging fast, and Tobias found himself unable to keep his mount at the same speed as they swung past trees and through the thick underbrush. Tobias lost sight of Sir Arthur, but this was nothing new. Sir Arthur was always charging forward to help those in need and Tobias always found the knight again. As he approached what looked like a clearing Tobias heard Sir Arthur calling out to those in need. “Where are you? Give me a sign so I can help.”

Tobias slowed his horse and dismounted within the tree line. Having travelled with Sir Arthur for so long he knew his place was to keep out of sight and away from danger while the knight performed his duties. As Tobias made his way to the edge of the trees and peered into the clearing his heart dropped. In the clearing he saw Sir Arthur lying on his back on the ground with his sword in one hand and the other holding his side. Blood seeped through his fingers as he pressed tightly. Standing over him was a humanoid creature, clad in tattered leather armor that was falling over its gaunt frame. Its flesh looked dried and tight against over a twisted skeleton and there didn’t appear to be any muscle holding it together. Its hands ended in deadly claws and the left was dripping with blood. As it stood over Sir Arthur it raised both clawed hands and Tobias could see the knight grimacing with pain as his head rolled back and forth.

Without hesitation Tobias broke from his cover and rushed the creature that was looming over Sir Arthur. He threw his body into the monster with such force that they both came off their feet and sprawled across the ground. Tobias scrambled up and grabbed a large log lying on the ground. The creature was already getting to its feet when Tobias turned to face it. It let out a horrible scream as it started towards Tobias. Before it could reach him there was a flash of silver as Sir Arthur plunged his sword through the monster’s back. There was a gasp and the creature slumped to the ground, unmoving.

Tobias let the breath he had been holding release as his mind began to reel with what had just happened. He was sure Sir Arthur would be furious with him for engaging the monster and as he began to take in the surrounding, he realized that Sir Arthur was back on the ground. He was holding his side again and his breathing was ragged and strained. Tobias rushed to him and pressed his hands against the wound. Sir Arthur gasped and then his breathing softened as his eyes began to flutter. Tobias didn’t know what to do. In a moment of desperation, and as tears welled in his eyes, Tobias screamed out in his mind, begging Pelor, the Dawnfather for help. Pleading with him to spare Sir Arthur’s life. Suddenly, Tobias felt a warmth radiating within his hands. He opened his eyes to see his hands glowing with golden light and as they pressed against Sir Arthur, the wound began to close. Sir Arthur’s eyes shot open, and he gasped a deep breath. He turned to look at Tobias with a stunned and confused expression and then everything went black as Tobias fainted.

***

Tobias opened his eyes. It was dark still, but the sun was just about to break the horizon and birds were calling from the trees. He got himself up and immediately grabbed the sword that lay next to his bedroll. He wandered away from camp, into the trees and began to methodically swing the sword in a slow rhythm. As the sun broke the horizon he heard stirring from the camp. He sheathed the sword and made his way back.

“Good morning, Sir,” Tobias said as Sir Arthur rose and stretched.

“Good morning, Toby,” Sir Arthur responded as he headed into the woods to relieve himself.

Tobias returned the sword to his bedroll and took out the iron pan. As he prepared breakfast Sir Arthur returned with a smile, “Been practicing long?”

“No, Sir,” Tobias said. “I rose just a bit before you did today.”

“Eh, that’s alright. We will get more practice in later today.” Tobias smiled as he finished breakfast.

It had been two years since the encounter with the wight that nearly ended Sir Arthur’s life. After that Sir Arthur made it his mission to train Tobias and help him hone his skills. The work was difficult and had to be done along with the cooking and tending to the horses, but Tobias loved every minute of it, and he trained hard. Sir Arthur had given him his very own sword and shield which were both beat up and worn piece but were his very own. He was allowed to be closer to the action when Sir Arthur took a job. Merely to study and see how Sir Arthur dealt with different beasts but it was a start, and it was everything Tobias had wanted. He felt himself getting stronger and Sir Arthur would discuss the jobs with him and ask his opinion on how to proceed. The perhaps the best thing was that Sir Arthur would come to Tobias after each encounter to have his wounds mended. Tobias felt a surge of pride every time he called upon The Dawnfather to heal Sir Arthur.

As they rode away from camp Sir Arthur asked, “What do you know about vampires, Toby?”

Tobias had to admit to himself that he didn’t know a great deal and he had to fall back on folk tales for the knowledge he did have. “Um…. they are undead creatures that feed on blood. They live in communes together which make them very dangerous.”

“That’s right,” Sir Arthur said. “What are their weaknesses?”

“Sunlight and wooden stakes… I think.”

“Good but there is more than that. A vampire does have sensitivity to sunlight, but a wooden stake is only useful if you catch a vampire in its resting place. Once staked while in its resting place a vampire is paralyzed. They also have an aversion to running water and a vampire cannot enter a residence without an invitation from one of the occupants.”

Sir Arthur spent a large amount of their morning travel time teaching Tobias about vampires and other monsters. He often quizzed Tobias on what he taught so he worked hard to remember what he could. In late afternoon their path led them to the town of Yrossa where word had spread of a vampire cabal located within the Velvin Thicket to the east. Sir Arthur spend time speaking with the warden of the town and getting details of the Thicket and the expected location of the hideout before moving on to the tavern and getting the folk stories about the vampires from the locals.

The next day, after a morning training session, they began their travel to the thicket and with the information received from the warden and the locals, it didn’t take long for Sir Arthur to track down the entrance to the cave hideout. The sun was high overhead and Sir Arthur made the decision to enter the cave immediately, assuming the vampires would be asleep during the day.

After securing the horses to a couple trees they quietly they proceeded into the cave. The path led deep into the earth where moisture clung to the walls and all-natural light was extinguished. They lit torches as they went and eventually the path led to a large open cave where multiple torches, already lit, lined the walls. Sir Arthur instructed Tobias to remain in the entrance as he pushed into the room. Quietly and carefully, he made his way towards the coffin in the center. As he reached for the lid of the coffin a deep and sinister laughter echoed through the cave.

“Did you really think you could sneak in here and take me unawares?” Tobias looked up to see the outline of a man, standing on a ledge roughly 10 feet up on the right side of the cave. Sir Arthur raised his sword to the ready but said nothing. “We knew you were coming, you old fool.”

Tobias’ heart leapt into his throat as he saw the number of bodies emerging from the shadows throughout the cave. Sir Arthur saw them as well and started making his way towards the tunnel and the way out, but the vampires quickly closed off the path and encircled the knight. Tobias realized that this cabal was much larger than they had been led to believe.

Without a word Sir Arthur stuck at the nearest vampire and ran him through. Others quickly jumped at him as Sir Arthur cut and slashed at them, keeping them at bay. The vampire lord remained on his raised perch with a smug grin while he watched the knight. Realizing that there were far too many for Sir Arthur to handle, Tobias rushed into the cave and cut down two vampires from the back. He swung wildly as Sir Arthur moved and fought with a restraint that only came from years of practice. They were doing well with vampires falling to their blades over and over again and Tobias had a moment of hope until he saw an unearthly mist forming under Sir Arthur’s feet. Tobias did not know what kind of trickery the vampire lord was using but the mist began to rise around Sir Arthur. Without hesitation, Tobias rushed towards his mentor again. Headlong into the mist he ran and with a great shove he pushed Sir Arthur out of the area. The mist encircled Tobias obscuring his view and deafening the sounds of the battle and the hissing of the vampires. And then everything became quiet. The mist began to recede and as Tobias raised his sword to strike down another vampire, he realized that the vampires were all gone. Sir Arthur was gone. The vampire lord and the cave were gone.

Tobias stood in a dark clearing, surrounded by dark trees and he had no idea where he was.