Daniel realizes the futility in protesting any further. As he mounts his horse, Isabelle kicks her steed to gain a head start. Daniel spus his own beast on and quickly catches up. For an hour they merrily ride through the paths around the castle. There is never any danger as the knights guard the area, knowing the heir to the throne enjoys the freedom a daily ride allows her.
When they return to the stables, Daniel emplore her to get ready for tea, as she doesn't have much time left. Feeling a bit guilty, Isabelle hurries off.
"That is not the way to become a knight" comes a voice from the far corner of the stables. As a startled Daniel turns he sees Bernard step out of the shadows. "You should never disobey a direct order from the crown. I know you are fond of the princess but she does not yet sit on the throne."
Daniel drops his head in shame. The noble man standing before him is the only reason he has a chance in becoming a knight. Nine years ago Bernard was merely a traveling sell-sword. While visiting the kingdom, he witnessed Daniel's father beating the boy in the center of the village. The other peasants merely looked the other way but he could not. By just placing his hand on the hilt of his sword he dissuaded the evil man from landing another blow. Bernard knew that he only delayed the inevitable. Once his boots hit the dirt path leading out of the village, the man would continue pummeling his boy until he was dead. It was on that day he forsake his wandrelust and pledged his loyalty to King Edward. He visited daniel as often as his duties allowed until he was able to convince the boy to become a squire. Spending most of the day at the castle erased most of Daniel's bruises, but occasionally new ones would appear. The day the young squire finally joins him as a defender of the crown would herald the end of his suffering.
Knowing that he had disappointed his mentor greatly, Daniel quietly said "My apologies, Sir Bernard. There is no excuse for my actions. Any actions you feel neccisary will be just."
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