A Hero's Challenge

A Story by bobric

What it takes to become a true hero

“Squirt!”

“Here, sirrah.”

A fumbling of armor being uneasily juggled moved clumsily towards King Arthur’s knight. It had the appearance of a ghostly enchanted clamor come to gather up some long overdue earthly remains.

“Full sworn, lad, you’d make a poor beast of burden. As page you are nigh better.”

“Aye, master.” The words emanating from the structure seemed ethereally unattached.

“There. Don’t forget your thumb. I have less need of it than what it is attached to.” Sir Galahad helped the young squire disengage himself from this private melee. Being known as the perfect knight for his courage, gentleness, courtesy and chivalry, it was no small matter that he supported such peasantry as his squirt bore forth each day with an earthy stench.

When the legendary sword had been transferred from his over-burdened hand, Squirt risked a question, “Rumor has it, only you could pull this from stone, not the king himself. Only a perfect knight would the rock so allow.”

The knight laughed, not at Squirt’s effrontery but at the charmed power of gossip. “Many a rumor a hero has made until truth demeaned the act.”

Squirt, brazened by his lord’s attention bespoke further. “But this one story is proven overly much by many mouths.”

Sir Galahad tested the balance of his blade and nodded. “Tis so, but the hero business shines best where few choose to look.”

“Thy meaning is less plain.” hazarded the young lad uncomfortably.

“If ye would join the hero business, Squirt, look toward the small, unheroic matters of dull day. Leaving them better than when found is where a hero’s pride may match his stature. The more majestic flag bearing events take care of themselves being well taught, previous.”