The castle was situated, conveniently, on a hill and as Vivainne and Constance approached they could see a besieging force surrounding the walls. Having knowledge of the secret entrance, they avoided being seen by the attacking forces and made their way to the woodsman’s cottage at the base of the hill. There, at the back of the cottage, was a small door which led directly into a tunnel. Taking only their lighter weapons, the two Knights made their way up the tunnel which seemed to pass up through the rock itself.
Eventually they reached another small door which opened into, what appeared to be, the lowest dungeons at the base of the castle. The place was deserted as they moved through the corridors and the noise coming from the great portcullis and gate betrayed the battle that was raging there. It seemed that the inhabitants of the castle were all engaged with repelling the invading force. Vivainne and Constance made their way to the great hall and the stairway which led down to the crypt beneath, wherein the Die of Destiny was said to be held.
As they entered the Crypt that held the family tombs of the Cruel King, they beheld a startling sight. The King, lost in concentration, was kneeling down on the cold flags, studiously throwing and rethrowing the Die of Destiny, all the while mumbling to himself. At each throw, loud cries could be heard coming from outside the gates and it was plain to understand that the King was using the Die to undermine the Luck of the castle’s assailants. Never had so many soldiers tripped over, cut themselves on their own swords, lost their way or bumped into each other. The entire besieging force was having all the unluckiest days of its existence rolled up into this hour.
Constance crept, quietly, up behind the King and gently tapped him on the shoulder with the point of her sword. ‘I believe it is time for the Die of Destiny to be returned to its rightful owner,’ she said as the King turned towards her, leaving the Die spinning on the floor. Quickly, Vivainne picked up the Die before it could settle, as Constance held the King stationary with the threat of her bright sword.
The Die, now in the possession of a noble soul, ceased to influence the battle at the gates and soon enough the invaders entered the castle and demanded that the Die of Destiny be brought forth. In the great hall Luck sat in the throne with his knights about him. For it had been Luck and his armed force that had been trying to overcome the Cruel King’s castle and regain the Die of Destiny. Vivainne and Constance brought forth and presented the Die to Luck.
‘I must thank you, brave Knights, you have done a great service for all the world. I doubt that we would have prevailed in our attempts to regain this Die whilst its powers were ranged against us. There is but one reward that it is in my remit to grant to you, Luck is my name and my nature, so therefore, from this day, you two Knights will be the luckiest people alive. Let this be my way of thanking you for restoring balance to the world.’
Vivainne and Constance bowed deeply and Vivainne said ‘Our Quest was never engaged with the expectation of any reward other than righting wrongs and the restoration of balance to the world. That being said, we are happy to accept your gift and will wear the sigil of the Die of Destiny so that we may be recognised by anyone who may wish to stand against us. It would not be a fair contest, now that we are the luckiest Knights in the world and can therefore never be harmed by force of arms.’
With that the two Knights turned and left that place, regained their horses and began the long journey home. Luckily, the sun was shining all the way.
The Guardians of the Cave 