The Unfinished Vigil and the Mission

De brief voor de Koning

Tiuri’s choice to answer a plea for help turns a ceremonial night watch into a dangerous promise that defines his journey.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

The Knighting Vigil The Knighting Vigil from "De brief voor de Koning". The Knighting Vigil A test of character Tiuri keeps vigil in the Chapel of the City of Dagonaut with four other candidates.

The Knighting Vigil from "De brief voor de Koning". The Knighting Vigil A test of character Tiuri keeps vigil in the Chapel of the City of Dagonaut with four other candidates.

The Knighting Vigil A test of character Tiuri keeps vigil in the Chapel of the City of Dagonaut with four other candidates. His thoughts drift between his duties and the honor of becoming a knight. The first summons A stranger’s plea reaches him from outside. Tiuri must choose between obedience to the vigil’s rules and the call to help someone in danger.

The Door Opens The Door Opens from "De brief voor de Koning". The Door Opens A plea for help The stranger asks Tiuri to open the chapel door in God’s name, insisting that lives depend on his assistance.

The Door Opens from "De brief voor de Koning". The Door Opens A plea for help The stranger asks Tiuri to open the chapel door in God’s name, insisting that lives depend on his assistance.

The Door Opens A plea for help The stranger asks Tiuri to open the chapel door in God’s name, insisting that lives depend on his assistance. Tiuri believes he cannot ignore a person in need. A broken rule He leaves his companions and opens the door, knowing this may cost him the knighting ceremony. The decision begins his transformation from candidate to active protector.

A Letter for the West A Letter for the West from "De brief voor de Koning". A Letter for the West The unknown messenger The stranger reveals that he carries a vital letter for King of Unauwen.

A Letter for the West from "De brief voor de Koning". A Letter for the West The unknown messenger The stranger reveals that he carries a vital letter for King of Unauwen.

A Letter for the West The unknown messenger The stranger reveals that he carries a vital letter for King of Unauwen. Enemies are watching the city, so he needs a young, unremarkable courier. A solemn undertaking Tiuri accepts, though he is not yet a knight, and promises to guard the sealed message. The stranger gives him directions to the Black Knight with the White Shield at the Inn at Yikarvara.

The Dying Knight’s Charge The Dying Knight’s Charge from "De brief voor de Koning". The Dying Knight’s Charge The wounded rider Tiuri finds the Black Knight with the White Shield gravely wounded after an ambush.

The Dying Knight’s Charge from "De brief voor de Koning". The Dying Knight’s Charge The wounded rider Tiuri finds the Black Knight with the White Shield gravely wounded after an ambush.

The Dying Knight’s Charge The wounded rider Tiuri finds the Black Knight with the White Shield gravely wounded after an ambush. The knight denies being defeated in a fair duel and identifies the attackers as Red Knights. A new bearer The knight reveals that the letter must reach the king and entrusts Tiuri with his ring and mission. Tiuri accepts on his honor, despite having no certainty that he will ever be knighted.

The Message Delivered The Message Delivered from "De brief voor de Koning". The Message Delivered A last resort In Dangria, Tiuri memorizes the letter’s unfamiliar words and burns the parchment rather than let it be seized.

The Message Delivered from "De brief voor de Koning". The Message Delivered A last resort In Dangria, Tiuri memorizes the letter’s unfamiliar words and burns the parchment rather than let it be seized.

The Message Delivered A last resort In Dangria, Tiuri memorizes the letter’s unfamiliar words and burns the parchment rather than let it be seized. He and Piak preserve the message even as their escape becomes perilous. The king hears Tiuri recites the message to King of Unauwen. The king recognizes its gravity, and the courier’s promise finally reaches its intended destination.

The night before Midsummer Day

Shortly after one in the morning

Later that same night

At dawn near the Inn at Yikarvara

Near the end of Tiuri’s westward journey