When she awoke, she stretched and smiled to herself. She had fought valiantly the day before. Her fury had won her the respect of many of her comrades. A woman warrior was usual, but few could fight as hard as she did. Now she looked forward to the coming battle. The enemy had lost a large number of defenders and the siege machines had brought down the outer walls as night fell. All that was needed was to remove the fortifications the enemy had built overnight and the castle was theirs. She sat eating, sharpening her sword, and fixing the chain coat that protected her. The camp began to come alive with the sounds of soldiers preparing for war. After donning her armor, she tied the arm band on that denoted her unit as the King's own. She walked to the royal encampment as she adjusted her sword. While looking for her captain, a voice greeted her from behind. "Good morning sergeant Atthis!" As she turned, the King walked up. She bowed as best as the armor would allow and responded. "Fine day for a battle, your Majesty." Flanking the king was the Captain and the two lieutenants. The Captain asked, "Can you gather the unit Sergeant?" With a salute and a turn she was off the gather her friends and comrades for the role call and assignments.

As the Captain called out, who would do what, she saw that the King kept watching her. If it was not for his smile, she would have sworn she was in some kind of trouble. As the last assignment was given out the Captain said, the King had something to say. He rose with his sword in one hand and something wrapped in his other hand. Starting with, "today we finish a battle started many weeks ago. In that time many have distinguished themselve and some have made their presence on the field indispensable. All have done more than was expected." He motioned with his sword and the two lieutenants walked to the side of Atthis. Now she knew she was in for something. The King continued, "one such person started as a squire and then as one of my guards. She has always been an example of what a soldier and a knight should be. Sergeant Atthis please step forward." Before she knew it, the lieutenants had begun to move her toward the King. As she started to walk on her own, they loosened their hold on her arms. When she reached the open area before the King, she was left to walk the last few feet alone. Atthis knelt as she reached the King. He looked down and smiled again. Then he said to the crowd, "here is a true knight. So today I ask her to put aside her preparations for war and prepare for her knighting." Then quietly to her he said, "the spurs were my first pair, the chain was made for you by your knight. The belt is a gift from the Queen." Then he handed her the bundle and she was led away to a tent set aside for the vigil.

The tent was dark. One candle burned on a table. Carpets covered the ground and pillows were placed here and there. In a corner several stools were there for those who found sitting on a pillow hard. As her eyes adjusted to the darkness she became aware that no cross could be found. Atthis smiled as she realized they knew she did not believe in the church or it's icons. A young squire entered and asked if there was anything she wishes to be brought from her tent. At first nothing came to mind, but then she told him to bring a green leather pouch from her tent and began to remove her sword and armor. Half way thought she changed her mind and put the armor back on. Believing it would look better than just a gambason. She left the straps loose and was about to sit when the guard at the door announced the first visitor, the King. She stood there not sure how to react. He entered to tent and waited for the flap to close before walking over to her. Smiling he said, "expect everyone to be reverent and subdued when they talk to you. Use this time to think over your life and what you will do to improve. You will be an example for many. I know your actions will continue to reflect that you know that." He came closer and continued, "try to keep from asking how the battle is going and who has been hurt. This is a time to look into yourself and not to what is outside the tent. I will see you tomorrow." Then he kissed her hand and left. Only the King could do that without a response from Atthis, and he knew that. She returned to the table and placed the spurs, chain and belt on one side and her sword on the other.

That day and into the night people she knew and important people she had met came in and gave her advice and support. Finally she fell asleep kneeling at the table. When she woke up some hours later, she stiffly laid down and slept for a few more hours before giving in to her body's demands and finding a latrine. To her dismay she was escorted by one of the guards when she left. No amount of talk could convince the guard she could find her way on her own. His only response was someone needed to be with the candidate until the knighting had taken place. When she returned a bowl of warm water and towels were place on the stools. Knights now stood where the squires had earlier. She was told to clean up and to leave her sword with the spurs, belt and chain. When she was finished to call out and someone would remove the basin. The water was scented and a bar of soap was wrapped in a wash cloth. She finished and was about to replace her clothes when she saw the gift. Someone had brought new boots, leggings, breeches and tunic. But the best was still to be found under these. A new gambason with her device sown on it. Last she found a tabard. This too with her device sown on it. She quickly finished dressing and told the guards she was ready. Two squires came in and removed the bowl and towels. Then the first visitor of the day was announced. Since most of her unit came in that day and none were in armor. She guessed the battle was over and the King was victorious. After several hours she was told to take a few moments to collect her thoughts. The knights would come to bring her to court very soon. She knelt for what seemed days her hand on the green bag under her tabard.

Day light flooded the tent and two knights lifted Atthis to her feet. Saying nothing, they lead her out of the tent and toward a large pavilion. She could hear someone talking and could see that the pavilion was crowded. As she got closer the sounds died away. The knights walked her into the crowd and toward the dais where the King was seated. When she reached the open area before the King, he rose to meet her. The smiles from the day before were replaced by a stern expression like he was about to condemn someone to death. Atthis knelt and the King asked, "who presents this candidate?" From behind the voice of her knight responded, "I do!" The King next began to tell Atthis the qualities required in a knight. Then he asked her knight, "does the candidate possess these qualities?" Her knight replied, "she does!" Then the King called for his sword. As he placed the sword on each shoulder and the on the crown of her head, a feeling of power came upon her. She saw the spurs held in the Kings hands and then given to someone behind her, but his words were lost as a rushing sound filled her ears. Like the sound a strong wind makes. The chain came into view next and as he placed it over her head she heard faintly, "Let its weight remind you of the responsibility you now carry." Then she was lifted to her feet. The belt that the Queen had given her was place around her waist and her sword was brought to the King. He looked up and down its length, turned it and felt the balance. He then spoke to Atthis, "your sword has two edges. It, like the power you now have, cuts both ways. Be careful how you use it." The King then sheathed the sword. He handed it to her, and continued, "now Dame Atthis let this be the last blow you let go unanswered!" He then struck her on the shoulder, almost sending her off balance into the crowd behind. But she recovered and stood defiantly face to face with the King. He then said, with a smile, "Welcome sister knight."

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