Atrius raised his head and addressed the throng of people, "I dub thee Sir Cedric." The king placed the flat of his sword on his left then right shoulder. "Rise Sir Cedric. "Arise all who served under this man."  He watched as Lord Lyons greenhorns stood up." Behold the saviors of the battle of The Barrens. You and your men saved the lives of 10,000 soldiers and the citizens of twelve kingdoms. All hail Sir Cedric, Sir Anton, Sir Averic, Sir Jeffery, Sir Ofsprey, Sir Reginald, and Sir Jonathan. Lord Lyons passed out gold medals to each. "He spoke softly to each one individually as he placed the medal around their necks. "You will meet me in the hall of honor. You will meet your king. This is for all that have fallen. You live to honor them. Congratulations and I am proud of you."<br/>He stood before Sir Cedric holding his medal, "Thank you is not enough. You saved us, son. I am grateful for your loyalty and courage. Meet me in the Hall of Valor. You will meet your king. Wear this in honor of those fallen. I am very proud of you."<br/>Lyons held him by his shoulders and whispered, "You asked to protect Kate. Nod once."<br/>His lordship dabbed his own eye.<br/>As rehearsed he led then to align the throne room wall. Each lord taking in turn. Once the ceremony of knighting and decorating of medals, King Atrious raised his arms to all. "Behold your brave and victorious Knights. Protectors of the realm."<br/>The crowd stood and applauded for them. Kate stood and clapped as tears cascaded down her cheeks. It would be over an hour before she met Sir Cedric out in the corridor. Cedric was led by a page into the Hall of Valor. The hall was placks of knights that held grounds until reinforcements or all perished. Lyons beamed as he introduced Cedric to King atrious. Atrius smiled and clasped the knight's forearm. "Proud day. Sir Cedric. Welcome among the Elite. You understand what this means? You get to name your duty. If memory serves me you have a special lady in your life. My Goddaughter. Atrius moved to his right and Kate was in the doorway. "Katherine, will you come here." Atrious removed his hand and held Kates hand and waist and presented her beside him. She stepped forward smiling as she took Cedric's hands. "Sir Cedric. Would you do me the honor of being my champion and protector?"