THE SECRET QUEST OF SIR JOHN

 

Photo Copyright: Al Forbes

This story was written for Sunday Photo Fiction–January 7, 2018. Each week the host, Al Forbes provides a picture prompt taken by himself or sent in by one of the other participants in the group of writers. The challenge for each member of the group is to write an original story or poem with no more than 200 words, not including the title and inspired by the prompt. This week’s prompt was taken by Al himself. Thanks, Al.

To read the other stories written by group members, just click on the link below, then on the little blue frog in the blue box.

The link to the other stories this week is as follows:

https://sundayphotofictioner.wordpress.com/2018/01/07/sunday-photo-fiction-january-7th-2018/

Genre: Historical Fiction

Word Count: 200 Words

THE SECRET QUEST OF SIR JOHN by P.S. Joshi

Sir John and his page sat high on their coursers as they rode from the castle. They required speed. From the heights of the trail leading down, he viewed the surrounding city.

The queen had given him a message to take to her husband near the battlefield. He knew he might not survive. If he was shot down, his page would take over. The message must arrive.

The cold had gone and the horses slipped on the muddy path. The city was skirted.

Behind the lines, John found the king’s tent, quickly dismounted, and entered.

“Sire,” he said as he knelt, “the queen has sent an urgent message.”

“Arise,” said the ruler. “Give it me.” A look of surprise and dismay came on the monarch’s face as he read.

“Sir John do you know the contents of this missal?”

“No Your Majesty.”

“This is indeed serious news. My brother, Sir Henry has turned traitor. The enemy knows some of our battle plans. We must fight all the harder. May God in His mercy be with us this day. Let us pray.”

Heads bowed.

“Almighty God look upon and protect your servants. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.”