Innumerable stories proclaim how knights, bold and fearless, have sought renown. The Knight Emerges begins The Chronicles of the Emerald Knight series and describes how a once insufferable youth was forced to attend a knightly academy and through training, many experiences, and two quests--another's and his own--became a knight. And, through this process, grew to be a formidable warrior and much improved individual. Little does the youth ever realize that such had been his destiny for his deity had foreordained him to be His weapon to fight the evil beings soon to rear their ugly heads on his world! Part 1: the Cadet of The Knight Emerges describes how Malakiah Defakiran, eldest son of the Duke of the Emerald Valley, was escorted unwillingly to the city of Suena to attend the Academy of the Perencian Order of Knights by his father's decree. He is placed under the sponsorship of the Duke of Suena, Sir Heddrick, also the Grandmaster of the Perencian Order. Malakiah, hating academy life and its regulations, initially considers fleeing, but at the last minute abandons the idea. After such, he resigns himself to finish his training quickly so that he may return to his home and former life. The first part concludes with his passing the Academy's Qualification Examination and becoming a squire. Part 2: the Squire takes place largely within the city of Suena and describes Malakiah's next three years taking courses and learning leadership skills. Midway through this time, as a quest companion, he accompanies Santos, his friend and a knight candidate, on Santos' quest to a far-distant land of Nyxein. The second part ends with Malakiah completing his squire training and now anticipating his own quest. Part 3: the Knight Candidate describes Malakiah's quest which sends him and his quest companion, Kush, to Rama, a region in the harsh desert land of Verritan. There, he assists Santos to rescue his sister, her companion, and Santos' father from a cruel warlord. After many misadventures, Malakiah frees the captives. Then he must escape with them across the vast desert pursued by the warlord and his warriors--fearful until they have eluded the fiend's grasp. Eventually, he returns to Suena and learns, to his astonishment, what amazing benefits his quest has brought about. Consequently, he is awarded his knighthood and returns home. The story differs from many other fantasies as it focuses not entirely on Malakiah, the hero, endlessly battling foes. In some areas of the book, he is not even mentioned. Santos and Vesta, the nephew and niece of the Duke of Suena, take center stage on many occasions. Malakiah's roommates, the duke, and others dominate still other story aspects. Attention is also given to showing how Malakiah changes. In the beginning, he had airs of entitlement. By the end of the book he has cast aside such beliefs. Malakiah is further shown to fail and to anguish when he experiences losses and hardships--especially when his best friend dies. Eventually Malakiah must conclude, when advised by another friend, that such difficulties were necessary to forge him into the warrior which his deity requires. Malakiah's tale also has some unique features. One chapter suggests that Malakiah's simpler world might shortly have some very modern inventions! And, curiously, even though Malakiah's world is not our own, the accomplishments of some of its figures parallel those in ours. Discerning readers will surely recognize these individuals for whom they represent! And, without a doubt, enjoy doing so!
About the Author: The Knight Emerges is Donald F. Richmond's and William R. Richmond's first published novel. Donald holds a Master's Degree in Systems Science and, although willing to resume a steady job in computer programming, would never object to becoming a successful and wealthy writer instead. He lives under-employed in relative obscurity in Kentucky with his steadily employed wife and teenaged daughter. He trusts the financial windfall from his writing endeavors will enable him to afford his daughter's upcoming college tuition. William possesses a Bachelor's Degree in Geology and, after briefly teaching in middle school, chose to become a cartographer for the federal government. Though he is proficient in map making, he has always thought of writing as his true passion and enjoys sharing literary efforts with his older brother. He lives in northern Virginia with his wife and young son, but considers himself an honorary resident of The Emerald Valley. The authors welcome readers' comments or reviews on The Chronicles of the Emerald Knight series. Please email such to: TheAuthors@TheEmeraldKnight.com. Or post same to: Facebook/Malakiah Defakiran. Current information and all subsequent news about The Chronicles of the Emerald Knight series can be obtained by checking website www.TheEmeraldKnight.com or the previously mentioned Facebook page. The authors intend to sell the books in The Chronicles of the Emerald Knight series through www.amazon.com. Interested individuals may search that website using the titles in the series or the authors' names, Donald F. Richmond or William R. Richmond, to locate copies and make their purchases.