The Tale of the Black Knight:
Once upon a time, an ancient kingdom was protected by a hall of valiant knights.
These knights had been gifted with blessed weapons, which would never dull—and magical armor, which would deliver them from harm. The queen of this land was a powerful enchantress, and had given these gifts to her knights, in exchange for their fealty. Each of these gentleman was known for his goodness and bravery, but one knight outshone them all:
The Silver Knight, he was called. His armor gleamed like a beautiful mirror, so that he appeared like a dazzling white figure upon the battlefield. No one could best him in combat, for he carried the full blessing of the queen. The Silver Knight's lance always struck true, and his sword never wavered—so great was the kingdom's love for him.
His soul belonged to his country, while his heart belonged to the fair maiden whom he had wed. Whenever he returned home from a long journey, the Silver Knight would present the spoils of battle to the queen—then rush to visit his pretty, young wife. The lady was very much in love with her husband, and blushed like a rose to see him. But the Silver Knight was too often called away to fight for his kingdom, and his lady longed for his presence in the while.
One day, the Silver Knight was called away to a distant land. The kingdom was at war with an empire across the sea, and the queen sent half of her knights to give aid.
In the distant empire, the Silver Knight fought with his usual strength and courage, defeating the wicked armies of the enemy. When the kingdom's army could fight no more, the queen's knights bravely stormed the emperor's palace, and slew all within. Only the foreign princess was spared, for her apparent beauty and good heart. The knights, kind and courteous gentlemen all, agreed to take her with them, to live with the queen.
When the Silver Knight's eyes fell upon the princess, he was immediately smitten. A dark, exotic beauty, she welcomed his looks—for she did not know that he was married.
Breaking his oath—against the queen, against his wife, and against God—the Silver knight bedded the foreign princess, in an act of infidelity. On the voyage home, they would meet in secret aboard the ship—until one of the knights, in a fit of sleeplessness, discovered them. The Silver Knight pleaded with his friend to keep quiet, but he was bound by honor to tell the queen. When they arrived home, the Silver Knight received his punishment:
The queen, enraged at her knight's betrayal, cursed him with all her strength. He pleaded mercy, but to no avail. His brilliant armor was charred an ugly black, and his soul was bound to the metal—cursed to serve the kingdom until his wife forgave him. She never forgave him.
The lady died with a bitter heart, leaving the Black Knight to serve the throne forever. He became a phantom of dread on the battlefield, unable to be slain. The Black Knight's lance continued to strike true, and his sword never wavered—so great was the anger he bore. He fought until the kingdom fell into ruin, and the throne was no more. Then he wandered into the wilderness, and was not seen again.
In time, the Black Knight forgot the dead kingdom, and his fellow knights. He forgot his wife, his silver armor, or that he had ever once been a living man. He could no longer feel hot or cold, or any touch, smell, or taste. At times, with no memory to guide him, he would pause to wonder at himself: Why had he the shape of a man, when he could feel nothing? A suit of armor is meant to protect, so why was his armor empty? Was he the armor, or was he inside it, somehow?
With no way to break the curse, the Black Knight wandered aimlessly, slaying any man who dared take up arms against him. His blade left trails of black ash in their wounds, letting any who saw the bodies know that the Black Knight has claimed another victim. If only forgiveness could be brought to him; then, perhaps, the curse will be undone . . .