Squire Thomas stood in the courtyard, his breath misting in the cool morning air. Today was the day he had dreamed of since he was a child, a day that promised to transform his life forever. He adjusted his tunic, the familiar fabric now feeling strangely foreign as the anticipation bubbled within him. His eyes strayed to the chapel beyond, where the ceremony would soon begin.
Sir Cedric, the knight whom Thomas had served for years, stood with a proud yet stern expression. He gestured for Thomas to kneel before the altar. "You have served with honor and courage," he intoned, his voice resonating with the weight of tradition. Thomas felt a swell of pride as he bowed his head, the gravity of the moment settling over him like a mantle.
Thomas took a deep breath, steadying himself. "I pledge my sword and my life to the service of the realm," he declared, his voice unwavering. The words were ancient, passed down through generations of knights, and speaking them felt like stepping into a legacy far greater than himself. Sir Cedric nodded approvingly, placing a hand on Thomas' shoulder.
"Rise, Sir Thomas," Sir Cedric proclaimed, lightly tapping the flat of the blade on Thomas’ shoulder. As Thomas stood, the mantle of knighthood settling upon him, the congregation erupted into applause. The sound was a thunderous wave of approval that filled the chapel, mingling with the ethereal light streaming from above.
Sir Thomas mingled with friends and fellow knights, the weight of his new title slowly becoming a part of him. Lady Elara, a fellow companion in arms, approached with a goblet raised in salute. "To your future adventures, Sir Thomas," she toasted, her eyes sparkling with camaraderie. He smiled, feeling the warmth of friendship and the promise of the path ahead.
He gazed out over the land he had sworn to protect, the enormity of his new role finally sinking in. "This is only the beginning," he whispered to the night, his heart filled with determination. The road ahead was uncertain, but he knew with unwavering certainty that he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, as a knight of the realm.
