I wandered for what seemed like forever, through the nettles and thorns of the Woods. Even the trees looked twisted and tortured. Finally, I heard a heavy, laboured breathing sound, and I knew I'd found the creature. I withdrew Peredur's sword, knowing the creature was already wounded. I moved the steed forward, knowing the beast was limping away from the fight. When I saw it, I knew the creature had been hurt - even worse than I suspected.

I charged forward, kicking the steed and lowering the sword to eye level. The monster looked up, then struck at me with one of its talons. It threw me from the steed, just as I'd lifted the heavy sword.

I don't know how long we fought, but it seemed like days. Finally, as the sun began to reach toward the horizon, I alone stood victorious, and the creature slumped away in pain. As it did, the beast's curse was lifted from the woods, and the lush colours returned with the sun's rising. I then rode back to Meridell, watching the creature's curse disappear as I rode.

When I found Sir Peredur in the King's hospital, the colour had returned to his skin, and he was smiling.

"What did you do, boy?" he asked. I told him what I'd done, and returned his sword. Just then King Skarl entered the room, and everyone bowed.

"What's this?" the King asked, taking the sword from my paw. "Is this the sword that defeated the beast?"

I nodded. "Yes, sir."

"And you are giving it to Peredur, here?"

I nodded again.

King Skarl laughed. "This isn't his sword, lad. It's yours."

He took the sword in his hand and looked at me. That's when he touched my shoulders with the sword, and then my head. "You are not simply 'Jeran' any longer," he told me. "You are Sir Jeran... Knight of Meridell."