by Donald Davis
“Ah, I think it’ll just take time to heal up. If we make good time, we should be back at Roseshire before nightfall tomorrow.” This made Joshua happy once more, thinking about the lively city and his family. “That’s great to hear. I can’t wait to see mother and Emilia again. To truly be able to sit down and listen to them talk about how they’ve been over the past year and how they’ve managed. They must’ve gotten the pigeon by now. They must be so relieved that it’s finally over. We can finally rest and bring about peace in Asedith once again.”
Tedric looked at his son and smiled. “I’m proud of you son. You fought valiantly on the battlefield yesterday and have been proving yourself to be a good prince. It is apparent that you’ve been listening and taking in everything over the past several years. Thank you for that. That’s what helps separate the wise kings from the stupid kings.” He smiled again. They then looked around the camp from the fire and saw how mostly everyone had settled in. They also saw some of the soldiers standing around talking and laughing, like normal people once more. It felt good to see everyone settling back down. It made things feel peaceful once again.
Joshua looked back over to his father, “Well, I did learn how to be a good prince from the best king to ever rule Asedith. So that certainly helped.” He and his father laughed for a moment. Tedric looked back at his son. “I don’t know about that, but I’ve tried my best.” There was a moment of silence. Both of them just sitting by the dwindling fire, staring down at the small flames. Tedric slowly stood up, trying to keep his weight off his pierced foot. He stood and looked around the camp. “Well, we better get some rest. It's a long day of riding tomo-” He stopped mid-sentence as an arrow pierced his throat. Joshua gasped. He tried to shout but the air was just stuck in his throat. He couldn’t bring himself to say anything. Joshua looked at his father, who gasped for air but found none. Blood steadily poured out of his throat. As he struggled, he looked up at his son and locked eyes with a look of fear. He was then struck by two more arrows. One in the side, then one more in the eye. He fell over. Joshua quickly stood up as he looked down in horror at his father’s lifeless body.
Chapter 3: Storm
Joshua stood there, stunned. He continued to look down at his father. Many thoughts ran through his mind as he started thinking about all the memories that they shared over the years. He was horrified. Then it struck him. “He’s dead.” He muttered under his breath. “He’s really dead.” He looked at his father’s body for another moment, then remembered the arrows that had just been shot. Joshua looked over his shoulder to see a small group of soldiers hiding in the trees across the road.
Joshua immediately filled with anger, then worry, as the soldiers started preparing more arrows to attack. His eyes widened as he shouted, “Everybody, get down!” He immediately hit the ground, hiding against the other side of the log he had been sitting on. The other nearby Bracken soldiers realized what had happened and also took cover. Arrows soared across the air and struck nearby everyone in camp, hitting barrels, tents, and in some cases the ground.
Joshua peeked over the log and looked across the road. The soldiers were gone, probably retreating. Joshua stood up, “Soldiers, after those men!” The nearby soldiers came to Joshua’s aid as they all ran with him into the trees. One of the soldiers had run back into camp to gather more soldiers to help the pursuit.
Joshua sprinted along with six other soldiers, running into the woods, looking for signs. Up ahead they saw branches rustling as if they had just run in that direction. He continued to move forward, hoping to find these men and put them to justice. He started forward as one of the soldiers put his hand on Joshua’s shoulder. “Your grace, let us go first. This could be a trap.” Still shocked from what had transpired, Joshua nodded and allowed three of the soldiers to go ahead of Joshua, and three remain behind him. Joshua kept thinking about his father, lying there lifeless and filled with arrows. He then thought about his mother and sister. How would he tell them what had happened? How could he?
At this point, the soldiers moved forward through the brush slowly. The one in front edged forward, looking around. Everything seemed to be quiet until the man in front was struck by an arrow in his side. He knelt in pain. Everyone saw where the soldier had fired the arrow and they ran in that direction. More brush. They ran forward and discovered two soldiers hiding in the brush, while three more soldiers ran out from the brush from behind them. Things already didn’t look good. The Brackens cut down the two soldiers they had found easily enough, but two of their own had gotten cut down by the three that appeared behind them. At this time, five more Bracken men came running from the camp. The three enemy soldiers began to panic. Distracted by the incoming men, one of the enemy soldiers was stabbed in the gut, and fell over bleeding out. The other two focused their attention on the men in front of them. “This wasn’t worth it. He said it would be in and out, no problem.” One of the enemies said. The Brackens closed in on the soldiers, cornering them, then surrounding them. One of the soldiers grew with anger and tried striking one of the men. The soldier blocked the blow, which was followed by another soldier coming forth and stabbing the enemy.
With only one enemy left, he threw down his sword with a look of fear. Joshua stepped forward from the men, looking the enemy in the eye. “Was it worth it?” Joshua asked. The man looked at Joshua. “My lord, it was-” Joshua cut him off mid-sentence by slicing his throat open in one quick motion. The man tried to get out words but failed. He knelt, grasping at his throat, then fell over dead.
Joshua stood there, looking down at the dead bodies. He had noticed that the men were wearing the Sulvaine sigils on their armor. Joshua shook his head, “Those monsters. After father had given them mercy.” One of the Bracken men spoke up, “Your grace, do you really think that Garron Trent would send soldiers to assassinate your father after the mercy he had given them? Besides, your father knew Garron for quite some time. I could be wrong your grace, but I don’t believe Garron sent these men. In fact, I believe that Blaire may have stationed them here, in case he lost the battle at Keridion. That’s how it appears to me. Blaire was always a clever one when it came to war.” Joshua turned and looked at the soldier. “You sound as if you admire him.” The soldier looked back at Joshua. “I meant no disrespect, your grace, I only meant to imply that Garron may not be at fault here. If Blaire truly did station these men here before the battle, they wouldn’t have received word yet about Garron Trent and the people of Treadrock surrendering.”
Joshua looked back down at the bodies, hanging his head. “Perhaps you’re right.” He stood there in silence, shaking his head. “Alright men, let’s head back to camp. Nothing more to see here.” The soldiers nodded, escorting their probable king back to camp.
Once they had gotten back, they prepared Tedric’s body by getting healers to clean him up and prepare him for transport. Joshua had decided that it’d be best to bring him back to Roseshire, considering that it was only half a day’s ride away. By the time the king had been prepared, it was almost time for sunrise. Joshua hadn’t managed to get any sleep after the previous night. Soldiers came back after loading up Tedric in a long crate. They approached Joshua. “Well your grace, what’s the plan?” Many nearby soldiers gathered around, looking at their new leader. Joshua stood up. “Pack up camp. We’re leaving and will arrive at Roseshire before nightfall.” The soldiers bowed and prepared for travel. Everyone was silent, despaired over what had happened to the king.
Joshua approached the crate that his father had been laid in. He placed his hand on it for a moment, thinking about him and all that had transpired over the past few days. After everything they had gone through to win the war and the battle against the great Blaire Sulvaine, just for him to be killed on the way back home. Joshua shook his head, trying to hold back tears.
After a few hours, the caravan was ready to move out. Joshua approached his horse, then decided that he didn't feel like riding on his own. He assumed his position within the c
aravan, deciding to ride within the carriage. He looked around, the people of the caravan looking back at him, “Alright everyone, let’s go home.” What had once been a sweet thought was now a dreadful fear, thinking about telling his family the news of his father. And with that, the caravan started once again towards Roseshire. Crickets still chirping, as the sun started to rise on a new day.
Chapter 4: Roseshire
Sadness filled Joshua’s heart as he and the caravan drew closer and closer to Roseshire. At this rate, they’d arrive before sunset. He thought about his mother and his sister, Emilia. Emilia was always the happy and innocent sibling. Very rarely did Joshua see his sister not smile. Joshua was always raised with more discipline, as he was the oldest of the two and was the lord in training for Roseshire and the kingdom of Asedith. Emilia, on the other hand, was treated as if she had never done anything wrong, even when they were little. To be fair, Emilia never did cause trouble. Throughout her years as a child up to the present day as a young woman, she had always been kind and treated everyone with respect. No matter the kind of day Joshua would have, Emilia always seemed to cheer him up a little. She was just that kind of person, always radiating joy.
As a young woman of eighteen years, Emilia loved to visit the city folk of Roseshire and assist them in any way possible. Her caring and giving nature was a little bit of a wonder to her mother, Terra Bracken. It wasn’t that her mother was unkind, it was just that she would usually leave the city folk alone unless they specifically came to her for aid. Emilia, on the other hand, would go out and intentionally pursue those in need. She became well known and well-liked throughout the capital.
Sitting on the balcony at their castle in Roseshire, Emilia looked down on the city from above. It had been a long day. She always enjoyed helping people and those in need, but sometimes some of the people would take help for granted. There was an old farmer on the outskirts of the city who tracked her down just to get her to help round up animals and help put them back in their pens. Luckily, she had worn old tunics for that day, but she was still filthy from a long day of helping others. She sometimes wondered if it was worth it. But those thoughts would normally go away as she started thinking about things. She felt as if it were her job to go and help the city folk, considering that she was a part of the royal family that ruled the city and their kingdom. She also thought that if the roles were reversed, she would want the royal family to help her from time to time.
Emilia sat down in a chair, thinking about the day as she saw it get closer to sunset. The city was so beautiful, especially when viewed from above like this. The walls of the castle and the city itself were a bright clean white, with thick stone protecting them. From above, one could see all the various market stands and traders that were set up in the market district. Then on the outskirts of the town, just before hitting the wall, the walkway of cobblestone ended and turned into a small field of dirt, so that some of the farmers could still farm within the city walls. Some of the farmers required larger fields, however, and resided just outside of the city walls.
Nearby Roseshire, water ran clear within the creeks, making the outskirts of the city look even better. There were even nearby waterfalls that weren’t far but were located just outside of the city, beyond the hills that surrounded Roseshire. One of the things that fascinated Emilia though, was the trees in Roseshire. Unlike most trees, the ones in Roseshire were normally large and budded orange and red leaves. Several trees laid outside of the city, but some even grew within. The trees that grew within the city were normally a welcome sight, as they added light and character to the capital. It was a sight to behold. Emilia thought that it surely had to be one of the most beautiful cities in all the five kingdoms.
Sitting there thinking about her day and the city, Emilia hadn’t noticed her mother walk out onto the balcony with her. Terra spoke up. “Emilia, I know you just want to help but we don’t have to help the city folk out this much, you know.” Emilia turned to her mother. “While this is true mother, I know that I would want them to help us out if we were the ones who lived as common folk. Besides, it doesn’t hurt to be kind and help out now and then.” Terra looked at how dirty her daughter’s clothes were. “Yeah, but it does cover you in dirt. Go wash up, the cooks will be serving dinner shortly.” Emilia nodded and took one last look at the city before heading inside. She walked into the washroom as her servants followed her. They helped her get undressed and made sure to draw her bath with nice warm water. Emilia sank into the warm water, letting out a sigh of relief from the warmth. She lay in the tub of water for a while, starting to think of her brother Joshua and her father. Emilia was filled with joy when she and her mother had found out the previous day about them being victorious at the battle of Keridion. She couldn’t wait to see them again. It seemed like it had been so long, even though it was less than a week ago. They never got to stay for long because of the war, but since the war was over, she’d get to see them all the time again. It’d be nice to have the whole family back together for a while.
After soaking and washing off all the dirt, Emilia finally rose from the tub to dry and get dressed. She emerged from the washroom wearing a nice light blue dress with a small gold outline around the neck and the lining of her waist. She looked beautiful as ever. She went to join her mother for dinner, not wanting to keep her waiting. When she entered the dining hall, only her mother and a few others had been seated at the table. Most of those that normally dined with them were off at war with her father and brother. She went and sat next to her mother. “Have you heard anything else from father or Joshua yet?” She asked her. Her mother looked back at her. “No, nothing yet. I’m sure they’re on the way back though. If I know your father, I know he doesn’t like to stick around longer than he must. Especially when he’s away from home after fighting a battle.” Emilia agreed. “Well, please do let me know if you hear anything, mother. I’d very much appreciate it.” Terra smiled at her, “Of course, dear. You’ll be the first I tell.” Emilia smiled back. At this point, the cooks brought out food for the table. The amount of food was way more than they needed, however. There was a total of seven people at the dining table, but the cooks went and prepared enough for twenty men to eat. There was a feast of various meats and vegetables sprawled before them.
After dinner, Emilia was stuffed. She had worked up quite an appetite after working all day. She went to sit out on the balcony once again before she would prepare for bed. Her mother decided to join her. They walked outside and decided to take a seat, looking out over the city as the sun was setting and darkness was on the horizon. Emilia breathed in the fresh air, feeling great about herself after helping others. The hot bath and nice food helped as well. She and her mother shared small talk for a few moments after sitting on the balcony. After those few moments, Emilia looked out over the city as it was starting to get darker. She looked out at the west gate of the city and saw several torches approaching the gate. She looked for another moment longer and realized through the dark that it was her father and brother returning home from the war at last. She opened her mouth and started pointing, “Mother, look, they’re back!” She turned in the direction her daughter was pointing and realized what she had. She could barely see as the darkness started settling in but then she saw. “Yes, I see our banners out there!”
After realizing that her father and brother had returned, Emilia immediately stood up and urged her mother. “Come on, let’s meet them at the gate!” Her mother joined her, almost as excited as she was. Terra had missed her son a lot but also missed her husband. During his absence, most of the questions of the common folk and sometimes other lords throughout the kingdom had been referred to her. She was glad to be relieved of the stress and pressure that all of that entailed.
After climbing down the tower, which took a short while, Terra and Emilia ran into the nearby courtyard and cut through the market district, trying to get to the gate quickly. As the two of them arrived at the western gate, the watchmen had star
ted opening the gates to let in the army. The army slowly started marching in, the soldiers pouring into the city, but the numbers had visibly dwindled from the force that Tedric and Joshua had set out with. In fact, the army was about half the size as it was when they had set out.
After a few moments, the army had finished entering the city and the guards closed the gate. Terra and Emilia eyed the royal carriage, waiting for their loved ones to exit. As the army had drawn to a halt, the men halted the horses that had been pulling the carriage. The horses and the carriage alike halted. There was a brief silence before the door opened. Joshua exited and closed the door behind him. Both Terra and Emilia started smiling and giggling as Joshua exited and spotted them. Terra had noticed how Joshua closed the door behind him. Her smile slowly faded. Emilia took a moment longer, then realized the same that her mother had. They both looked at the carriage, then back to Joshua. Joshua looked at his sister, then to his mother in the eyes and shook his head. Terra’s mouth dropped as she found no words. Tears immediately came to her eyes when her knees hit the ground. She was sobbing. Emilia stood in shock, everything coming to her mind all at once. So many questions, thoughts, worries, and concerns flooded her mind. She then hung her head and started tearing up, thinking about her father and how she’d never see him again. Joshua then approached the two of them. He offered his hand and helped his mother to her feet while she still cried. He then looked at the two of them and put his arms around them. The sunset was completely gone as darkness set over the city.