[ IP ] Guard

The world was changing; everybody knew that. The people wanted to lead, the people wanted a voice, and they had taken that right by force. Sir Ken did not hate them for this. In fact he would be much in agreement with many of the things leaders of the rebellion wanted from the new government. But even if this was his last day as a knight, his last time wearing his full armor without ridicule and persecution, he would stand tall by the side of young Lady Diana, as he had always done for her, and escort her from the palace. 
 The clamoring masses surrounded the promenade outside, brandishing signs, shouting slogans. Lady Diana stood looking out the window of her bed chamber one last time. She was only fifteen, and had only just begun to understand the realities of the kingdom where her family had ruled for the better part of two centuries. She was no more to blame for the suffering of the people than a raindrop is to blame for the crumbling of a mountain. The king had been assassinated two weeks prior, and the queen and the two princes went proudly to execution only yesterday. They only spared the young princess because she was still a child, and the new government did not want that blood on their hands. 
 `` Sir Ken,'' she said to him. 
 `` Yes, my lady?'' 
 `` I've never...'' she struggled, `` Will they hurt me?'' 
 `` No, my lady. I will be with you the entire time, and I've never let harm come to you before, have I?'' 
 She almost imperceptibly shook her head. Sir Ken saw her wipe a tear before she turned away from the window. `` Alright then, let's go.'' 
 The palace doors creaked open and the noise was an assault to the ears. To the people, Lady Diana was the last royal and therefore watching her leave was the final signal that they had indeed won. She took the steps slowly as the people cheered. This was the girl whom most in attendance had also cheered on the promenade before when the royal family displayed the healthy baby girl that had been born. And now, they ushered her exit. 
 Some people threw the royal banner at her feet, others tossed roses, symbol of the royal family. There were worse things they could fling, Sir Ken thought, but he was not about to let any of them touch her. He held his shield high with one arm, and continued to lead her forward. Lady Diana had to step over tapestries and pamphlets showing her family's rule. Sir Ken saw the young girl hold her tears back with as much strength as she could muster, but she was loosing the battle. Drawing his cape, Sir Ken further blocked her view from the harsh faces and gnashing of teeth around her. 
 A single, unadorned carriage waited at the end of the mall. It was to take her to a neighboring kingdom where a distant cousin, whom she had never met, was going to take care of her. Lady Diana stepped inside, relieved to have a few walls to surround her. Sir Ken lowered his shield and stood back, taking in her image one last time. 
 `` Are n't you coming with me?!'' she said, desperate. 
 `` I ca n't come now. But I will be along when I am released from prison.'' 
 `` But, please!'' she shrieked. 
 `` I am a knight. I fought for the royal family and therefore I must do the honorable thing, as all my fellow knights have done, and answer for that. You will be fine, My Lady.'' 
 Sir Ken watched the carriage trudge forward, as he felt the clasp of hands around his limbs. He was not going to prison. He knew that and everyone around him knew that. One day, Lady Diana would know that too.
