The crowd roared. Waves of sound crashed over Crystal as if she were in the ocean. It took a fair bit of self control for her to not place her hands over her ears. Instead, she stood tall at the western gate of the village. The “Prosperity Gate,” as they called it, led west through the mountains that surrounded Velestot. It was one of three main gates that led through the mountains, and it was traditionally the point of commencement for great quests.

Crystal stood facing the crowd, her back to the gate. Behind her, the thirteen elders stood, forming a semicircle around her. To her left, Phineas Trave was smiling and waving at the crowd. As the council had mentioned, he did stand impressively. Crystal was rather tall, but he still stood a solid five inches taller than her and filled his armor impressively.

With his remarkable frame, he had an arrogant aura resonating from him that could knock an unprepared passerby to the ground. He had perfectly groomed blond hair that swooped across his face and deep brown eyes the color of milk chocolate. He looked as if he were sculpted by the gods for the specific task of being a knight. Crystal could understand, to some extent, why the council had chosen him.

Elder Philemon held up a hand, and the crowd grew quiet. He spoke, “Young Crystal, it has been decided that you will set out here, in front of the entire village, on your quest. The knight Phineas Trave shall assist you in your travels.” Philemon turned to Phineas. “Knight Phineas, you will—“

“Excuse me, but I have something I would like to say,” Crystal spoke up.

Claudia’s eyes flared with rage, but Philemon simply raised an eyebrow. “What is so important that you would interrupt your own ceremony?” he questioned.

Crystal took a deep breath. She tried to meet Philemon’s eyes, but she found she couldn’t. She locked her eyes a bit above his head and blurted out, “I believe that Violet Holt would be better able to serve on this mission.”

The crowd, the elders, and the entire village were silent. Then Phineas Trave burst out in laughter. “That is a good joke, Chief-To-Be.”

“It is no joke,” Crystal declared, turning to Phineas. She locked eyes with him for a brief moment, and she saw anger. She shrunk back but managed to keep her voice square. “You are indeed an admirable knight, Phineas. But you are not as seasoned nor as familiar as Violet. I believe she is a…better….option.”

Whispers started among the crowd, but Philemon held up his hand once again. Quiet descended over the populace. “Chief-To-Be, do you wish to go against the council’s wishes before you are even instated?”

“I…” Crystal trailed off. 

Is this actually worth it? Maybe Phineas will be fine. I do not need to cause an issue right now.

Violet appeared from the crowd, clad in full armor. She held an impressive green-tinted battle axe in both hands. “I am ready to serve my village to the best of my ability,” she declared.

“Are you?” Phineas asked with a sneer.

“Shut up, Phineas,” Philemon ordered. This elicited a gasp from the villagers, and Phineas shrank away. Philemon turned to Violet. “Despite overstepping his bounds, the knight is correct. You are not officially recognized as a knight, Ms. Holt. You are at best a mercenary. I know you care for your friend, and that is admirable. But you are not worthy of this station.”

Violet clenched her hands, but to Crystal’s surprise, she remained quiet. She did look to Crystal, though. Crystal swallowed and started, “I—“

She was cut off by the sound of the Prosperity Gate opening. As the doors swung open, Chief Isla stepped out from behind them. “Congratulations, Philemon, you have ruined my grand entrance.” The fourth chief of Velestot stepped up to the council of elders, and they parted around her. The elders stepped away, but Philemon stood his ground a few paces away from Crystal.

Chief Isla stared Philemon down before turning her gaze to Crystal. “My daughter, explain why you think Violet Holt is better suited for this task.”

Crystal stood up even straighter and said, “I believe Violet is better suited for this task because…” She glanced over at Phineas before continuing, “Because Phineas and I do not know each other as well. Violet and I have known each other since we were children.”

“Familiarity in of itself is not a good enough reason,” Chief Isla declared. She placed an assuring hand on Crystal’s shoulder. “Speak frankly.”

Unsure of what to say, Crystal glanced back at Violet. Violet nodded and smiled. Crystal took a deep breath and said, “Phineas is impressive, but I believe him to be a creep.” The crowd began to chatter, but Chief Isla held up a hand, silencing the populace. Then the chief motioned for Crystal to continue. “Violet is…imperfect. But she is sincere. She does not want this quest for glory or praise. Her desire is to protect me, and I…” Crystal once again glanced at Violet. “And I would rather have a sincere knight than a coward in armor.”

“You would call me a coward?” Phineas demanded, stepping towards Crystal.

“Knight Phineas—” Philemon began.

“Quiet, old man,” Phineas snapped back. “Chief-To-Be or not, I will not accept this mocking.” Phineas pulled a sword from his sheath and pointed it at Crystal. “You claim that I am a coward? Then face me in a duel. We shall see who the true coward is.”

Chief Isla looked on, her face unreadable. Philemon and the other elders looked to her for guidance, but she did not speak. Philemon shook his head and said, “Idiot child, you cannot challenge the girl. You forget your station.”

“No,” Chief Isla declared. Most of the elders flinched, but Philemon simply raised an eyebrow. Chief Isla continued, “I want to see this through.” The chief turned to Crystal. “Do you accept the knight’s challenge?”

Crystal looked from her mother to her antagonist. Why can things never be simple? “I accept.”