The Black Knight
The Black Knight stands sentinel to the fiery gate beyond, but is not there to deny entry.
He guards the black furnace with a will of iron, standing erect with Halberd taller by a head than he.
His armour is polished, menacing, satin black, in contrast to the stone walls behind. He glares through a narrow slit, watching and waiting.
There is no return once passed the gate. The fire’s great maw stands open, jagged teeth, brown with rust, protruding from its jaw.
All is consumed by fire, and turned to ashes. No living thing ever escapes. He is never needed.
Yet, the Black Knight stands sentinel to the fiery gate beyond.
In days of old, a Knight in armour would raise his visor with his hand after a joust to show his face to the King or Lord presiding over the tournament.
This hand gesture is still used today as a sign of respect. It is called, The Salute.