Among the rolling hills of Florence there lived a maiden named Lil, she was daughter to Sir Traxus, a prominent knight of the land.  Lil was very fair with long golden brown hair that fell in curls to her knees. Her bright blue eyes sparkled with innocents, her complexion was milky white and as smooth as the finest silk. She was sweet and kind natured but at seventeen she was still not wed.  Many knights came to court her but she wanted none.  Her father asked her why she would not take any of their proposals.  Lil replied that she did not love these knights, nor did they love her. Still they courted her and showered her with gifts of jewels and gowns, but they could not turn her heart.  

One day Lil was out in the forest with her maidservant, Celine.  They went about picking herbs and flowers for the castle cook.  Celine began to tell stories of the Black Knight.  He was their local legend, a phantom knight who was evil and whose horse breathed fire.  
“Oh, I have heard the stories before.” Lil said and grimaced.  She was growing tired of her maids constant dribbling about ghosts and demons.
“Well, not a soul has ever seen his face.  They say he must be as ugly as a toad and that he rides through the night on his black steed and steals babies from their cribs.” Said Celine and quickly crossed herself.
Lil shook her head, such silly stories she thought.  Looking up she saw something ahead.  Curious, she came upon a clearing; there at the roots of an elm tree was a blue rose. Enchanted, she went over to touch it’s soft petals. Lil reached down to pick it up and found another hand on hers.  She gasped and looked up to find herself gazing into the most beautiful blue eyes she had ever seen.  The young man before her looked down at her, a blush came to his cheeks.  
“Forgive me for frightening you, fair lady.”  The tall young man wore a black tabard trimmed in gold; his leggings and boots were black as well.  His garb bore no symbols, nor did he wear a sword or dagger.  His jet-black hair was tied back and fell to his waist; a goatee graced his lip and chin.  Lil was entranced, he was so handsome, and his voice was deep and gentle.
“My lady you are so fair, this rose is for you.”
“I have never seen a blue rose before.”  Lil said taking the rose from him and holding it to her tender breast.  
“Nay my lady, it is a rose as rare as your beauty.” Said the stranger.  Lil blushed and looked away.
“What is your name sir?”  Lil asked.
“I…I am Richard, fair maiden.” he bowed.  
“I am Lil Traxus,she smiled, I have never seen you before, are you a squire?”
 “Aye my lady.” Richards’s voice faltered, as he looked into her eyes.
 “Lil!” A voice called from behind them. Lil quickly looked in the direction of the call and turned back to Richard.
“I am sorry but I must away!” she gasped.
  Lil gathered her skirts and turned, they young man reached his hand out to her.
 “May I see you again my lady?” asked Richard. There was a sincerity in his eyes she had never seen in any of the suitors who had come to her door.  Perhaps she should give him a chance?
 “Aye, the day after next I will be here.” said Lil.  Richard took her hand and tenderly kissed it. His soft lips made Lil tremble, his moustache brushed her hand like silk. He took up from her hand.
 “Till then fair one” Richard whispered.

That evening Sir Traxus noticed a change in his daughter.  
 “My girl your cheeks are flushed, dare I say you’re in love?” Traxus said in a jovial tone.  
 “Nay, I just…” Lil looked down at her embroidery.  
 “Come now, who is he?”  Probed Traxus, eager to know if his daughter had finally picked a suitor.
 “Just a dream nothing more” Lil muttered quietly. Traxus gave her an odd look, but let the subject go for now.
Lil’s heart hurt, Richard was a squire, and her father would probably not allow a marriage to any less then a knight.  Lil found herself falling in love with the mysterious handsome squire. She thought to herself, squire, knight what was the difference, a squire is soon a knight.  Surly love should have no bonds. But still she could not tell her father; he would have the lad flogged for meeting his daughter without a chaperone.  

A frightened look came to Lil’s eyes.  Richard saw her fear and gathered his nerve; it was now or never.  Taking a breath he looked at Lil.  
 “I am Richard Baronhart. I am he who is most dreaded, cast form society into a world of shadow. I am the black knight of legend; feared and hated. I am the stuff of stories and dishonor.”
He turned his eyes from her in shame.   Lil looked at him in shock, so it was true. There was a black knight after all.  But again this was a man, not a ghost she reasoned.  Tears of shame came to the knights’ eyes and he wiped them away.
“I did not want to lie to you as I live by the code of chivalry.”  
 “Oh Richard” Lil whispered.  
 “Lil, I will understand if you reject me, for my reputation has been ruined. My rivals have seen to the destruction of my life.  I had foolishly thought I could find love”.
Lil looked over at him, he looked so sad.  But her mind was already made up.
“Richard, you are the only man in my heart, be you the Black Knight or no, it is you I want”. Said Lil.
Slowly he turned to her; he could almost not believe her words.  But she had said them, words he thought he would never hear.  Stepping up to him she brushed her fingers over his cheek.  Richard closed his eyes and sighed.
 “My lady you have saved me from the darkness in my soul”.  Gently he embraced her. “Now I can tell you what my heart holds”.  Richard knelt before her and took her hands. “Lil I love you and adore you with all my heart and soul.  Wed me my love take me as your husband and I will love you forever. My heart yearns for you, take me from the shadow of my dark life so I may find happiness”.
Lil looked down into his eyes and kneeling down put her arms around him, slowly she ran her check against his.
 “Richard I love you my knight, aye I will be yours. I will fill you heart with joy. I will bring passion to your bed, and through your love I will give you sons”.  Richard eyes filled with tears.
 “Lil you have ended the darkness in my soul, I shall be a man, for now I have my lady”.  Lil put her hand to her mouth.  
 “Nay…oh Richard…”
 “What is wrong?” Richard eyes shined with panic.  Tears welled up in Lil’s eyes as she looked up at him.  
 “I just remembered! Father was talking about setting a tournament. The winner shall wed me.  What will we do?” Lil put her head on his chest and sobbed. Richard held her tight; he looked up at the sky. Tears stung his eyes as felt his face turn red, gritting his teeth he trembled as fury raged through his heart. “Richard I am yours, I want no other”.   Her voice shook as tears ran down her face.
 “Then my love I shall best the lot of them.  For their hearts shall tremble at the sight of the Black Knight!”  
  Calming his anger the young man took a breath.  
“Please do not cry” Richard said softy as he wiped the tears from her eyes. “I must fight for you and prove my love”.  
 “You are my love and my life” she sobbed. He looked in her eyes.
 “And you are my salvation, for in your arms I’ve known only joy.  But, he sighed, I must fight and be your champion”.  Lil looked at him, he speaks with his heart and it is true.
 “Richard you are most valiant and brave”
  Slowly their lips met, Richard laid her gently onto the soft grass as he kissed her passionately. Lil put her arms around her love, her mind whirled as his kiss warmed her heart. Holding Lil in his arms, to feel her so close and to kiss her so deeply sent Richard into a state of euphoria he had never new existed.  Slowly they parted; her innocent eyes looked into his as Richard held her tightly.
 “Never let me go” Lil sighed.
  “I shall not for I love you my Lil.” said Richard.  He gazed down at her beautiful face. So I must don the armor of the black knight once more, Richard thought, but this time it is to win my ladies hand.  And for her I would give my life.]

Lil and Celine stood and looked in the mirror at Lil’s dress.  It was the richest black velvet, trimmed with gold.  The insides of her sleeves and skirt were also gold.  Garnets encrusted the bodice and neckline; pearls studded the sleeves and skirt.  
 “Your knight is very rich my lady, far richer then the other knights!” Celine squealed.  Lil read the note that was attached.

My Love, I would be honored if you were to wear my colors today.  So I send you this gown fit for a Queen, as you are the ruler of my heart - The Black Knight

She looked up from the letter.
“Aye he is” Lil said, “his heart is rich with love and chivalry”.

Lil met her father at the castle drawbridge as they departed.
“Ah Lil, oh pray who sent you this dress?” He must be a count to able to give you such gifts.  What is this?” he eyed the garnet at her throat.  
 “Gifts father, nothing else” Lil smiled and kiss him on his ample cheek.  Sir Traxus watched his daughter mount her horse.  There was a griffin on her necklace and her dress is black and gold.  Who is this knight that woos my daughter with the treasure of a King?  
As they road to the tournament Lil was excited as she would see her beloved. But she was worried, as what if Richard was banned from the joust due to his reputation; he was a contender like any other Knight.  She prayed he would be allowed to compete.

                                                                                       ******

As he reached the arena Richard pulled off into the woods.  As in the past he was not allowed in the paddock.  Reginald held Wraith as he dismounted.  Richard gave his squire some money and mussed his blonde hair.  
 “Register me under the usual name” he winked.  
 “Aye my Lord” Reginald smiled and pulled his black hood over his face.  Richard stood and stroked Wraiths velvet nose.
He looked out at the arena; may today be my greatest victory he silently prayed.

Reginald went to the registration table.  The official raised an eyebrow.
 “And you are?”  The squire looked at him through slits in his hood.
  “I am squire to the Black Knight”.  The official’s eyes widened.  
 “Nay, he has no honor here”.  Reginald dropped the bag of gold coins on the table and folded his arms. The official eyed the coins and smiled.  Taking a pen he wrote The Black Knight in the ledger and the amount.  He wrote a receipt and stamped it with the official seal.  He gave the paper to the squire as he grabbed the bag of coins.
 “Thank you” he leered.  
 “My Lord” Reginald bowed and ran back to Richard. “He took it as always ” Reginald laughed as he handed him the slip and pulled off his hood.  
 “Aye that money hungry swine would steal a penny from a blind child.
" No matter, Richard looked up, I am registered and have my chance.  I pray to god for victory as I love her so”.
  “You are the best there is my Lord Baronhart”.  Richard blushed and cuffed him gently in the shoulder.  The knight looked at his receipt, “Hmmm… my number is thirty four, I wonder how many more will show?”  Walking over to a tree he turned, “Reginald I must tell you if I die today all I have is yours”.  
 “My Lord” Reginald looked down.
 “And I ask that you clear my name.
 “Your Lordship, I am in your service Richard, Earl of Florence” he bowed.  Richard smiled.
  “I haven’t heard that title in a long time Reginald, too long to keep such a secret. My cousin Prince Willard will come to terms with it today.  He put his hand on the lad’s shoulder. I charge you save my lady from the winner”.  
 “I will save her my Lord, I swear on my loyalty to you.”

The knights paraded around the arena, their banners held high.  A sea of brightly colored tunics made of a rainbow of colors.  Their horses covered in flowing caparisons. From their seat in the stands Lil watched the parade with Celine.  
 “Where is my Richard?” she sighed.  The Black Knight was not allowed in the parade.  But his squire displayed his banner, a red griffin on a black field.  People booed and hiss at the colors of the Black Knight.  Sir Traxus saw the banner and raised an eyebrow.  HE is here, oh my daughter!  He remembered the dress and the necklace.  Oh god Nay! Surly she cannot be serious; she does not know what she does.  When did they meet, how did they meet!  He is a monster she cannot be in love with him. From his box across the arena Prince Willard saw the banner as well and taking his chalice dashed it to the floor.  
 “He dares show his dishonorable face today!”  
 “My liege, his advisor said, this event is open to all knights”.
  “I know you fool!” The prince snapped.  
Lil spotted the black banner.
 “Oh he is here!” She put her head on Celine’s lap..
“Aye my lady” Celine smiled.” Lil sat up and smoothed her black gown.
 “Why does he not ride in the parade?”
 “Because he is banished and is not allowed by the prince”.  Lil looked across the arena to the royal box and frowned.
“He’s the monster, not my Richard he is so wonderful!”  
 “Aye my lady he embraces you with gentle hands and kisses you so sweetly” Lil face blushed red.
 “Celine, you spied on us!”
 “Aye my lady and I never saw such a romantic sight” she sighed.  
  Lil blushed, reaching into her bodice she took out the blue rose Richard had given her. Its petals were still soft; she held it to her heart.

Chapter 2......

Trumpets sounded in the arena signaling the beginning of the event.  Lil sat and watched the contenders fight.  Soon the arena was littered with splinters as more and more lances clashed.  One knight was leading the points; he was Sir Benton Decosta.  Lil knew of him, he was fifteen years old and she ascertained ate too much pasta from his ample girth.  Sir Benton had sent her a white and green gown to match his colors.  The shiny faced youth rode up to the stands and waved to her.  Lil gave him a rye smile and wave.  Trumpets sounded for the next contender. The shrill neigh of a horse sounded though the air, suddenly from over the hill charged a knight on a steed as black as pitch.
 “Richard!” She gasped. The stallion came thundering into the arena and stopping short reared up high. Its rider clad in ebony armor, upon his helm were three black plumes.  The horse’s draped in a caparison as dark as night trimmed in fine gold. The sigil on the knights black tabard was a blood red griffin.  The black knight reined in his horse and road up to the stands; he turned and looked up at Lil.  She smiled and waved at him, he rose his hand to her and then put it on his heart.  The audience went into an uproar.  Sir Traxus paled to see his daughter acknowledge the black knight. Lil ripped the hem of her underdress and dropped it down to the black rider. Catching it in his hand he lifted his visor and kissed it. He passed it to his squire who tied the white silk around his arm.  Turning he spurred his horse forward, Wraiths hooves stepped proudly as he circumvented the arena.  Richard held his banner high as he passed the Royal box. The prince seethed in anger.
 “ The nerve of him”, he growled. Lil watched the black knight ride by, never had she seen such an ornate suit of armor or such a noble steed.
  “Oh Richard, you are truly magnificent” she sighed. People around her were talking and saying evil things about the black knight.  Lil put her hand to her heart, I know better for he is the most wonderful man in the world; I care not for the gossip of fools.    

As Sir Benton looked at the black knight fear rose in his heart.  He had heard the stories; no one has ever bested him.  He was a demon straight from hell.  Richard rode up to the weapons rack.   Reginald looked up at him.
  “God be with you my lord,” he said as he handed him a lance.  Richard nodded and galloped up to the line.  Lil sat with her hand clasped before her.
  “Be careful my love” she whispered.  Benton road into position, his horse reared and tossed its head.  Wraith sidestepped and whistles loudly.
 “Easy” Richard said pulling back on the reins.  Sir Reginald stood to the side on his left.  Wraith pawed the ground hard.  Benton shook as he looked down the lane.
  “Death himself” he gasped as he eyed the black apparition before him.  The flag dropped and Richard spurred his horse forward.  The giant stallion lunged forward hitting the ground like thunder and charged down the lane. Reginald saw Benton come off the line.
  “He’s coming about my lord, fast!” Richard looked through the slit in his visor at Benton.  He lowered his lance and aimed for his shoulder.  They clashed in a fury of splinters.  Benton’s broken lance flew through the air as he fell to the ground, the crowd sighed loudly.  Richard brought Wraith around sharply and tossed his broken lance to the side.  The crowd booed and tossed insults into the air. Lil looked around nervously as she expected the royal guard to arrest Richard; she glanced at the prince, his face was set in anger.  The joust continued; more knights clashed adding to their points.  Richard met his opponents with strength and drive, thought distracted by his terrible legend they proved non-the challenge.  But as Richard waited for his next turn he noticed a knight who surpassed all the skills of the others.  He was a big brute, his armor heavy reinforced, his steed a beast of mighty strength.  Richard could tell he was not of this land and no doubt he was from he northern half of Europe.  This knight fought mercilessly and with expert skill.  He had three squires who ran about him serving him golden chalices of wine and fusing over him with great lavishness.
“He is Sir Guther Astar, Reginald said, he hails from the Nordic counties” Perhaps he is royalty Richard thought to himself, he had never seen Astar’s colors before, a field of blue marked with a trio of crowns.  Lil also noticed this knight; she trembled to see him unhorse his opponents with terrible ease.  Looking at the score board she saw that Richard and Sir Astar were evenly matched. Astar, unlike the other knights, had not even acknowledged Lil till now.  He road up to the stands and looked up at her.  Lil gazed at him for a moment and turned away.  Astar gave her a snide glance.  Richard eyed him with anger and disgust.  He spurred Wraith forward and road up to Lil.  She turned to him and her expression changed, her face flushed with love and hope.  Richard was lost her gaze when a voice came to his ears.
“Fiend, what makes you think you will win?”  Richard turned sharply and cast Astar a dark stare.
“You no doubt fight for a prize. I fight for my ladies love and honor” Astar looked him over.
“We shall see” he growled and trotted off to the sidelines.