by Donald Davis
Garron cleared his throat, trying to feel better. “Thank you, ser. I apologize for this, truly. I am new to being a leader, and this is the first time that men have died on my watch. But, maybe it is something to get adjusted to.” Shortly after, the two of them sipped on wine, trying to calm their nerves and unwind after such a long day. After an hour had passed, Garron led Joshua to a vacant room and allowed him to stay there for the night.
Joshua laid down and contemplated a while longer. The monster you helped create. How strange. With this contemplation, he eventually fell asleep. Joshua slept for several hours and would wake shortly before midday. He lay restless in bed, sweating, rolling about until he eventually sprang himself awake. Short of breath, he looked around the room, trying to calm down. He couldn’t quite remember what it was that he was dreaming about. And for some reason, an image had stuck in his mind. An unfriendly image of a dark figure. Strange, Joshua thought. It was rare that he ever dreamed.
After waking, Joshua dressed and made sure that his things were gathered. With the main threat of Treadrock taken care of, he would depart back to Roseshire within the next couple of hours. All Joshua would have to do is find Garron and speak to him to be on his way. He walked about the leadership hall, finding his way back to Garron’s work quarters. He opened the door to see Garron at his desk, already working on papers. “Ah, you’re awake. I was beginning to think you’d sleep the day away,” Garron said. Joshua smiled, “Not quite. I’m just glad that I got to rest for a while.”
“I see. So, I take it that you’ll be departing for the capital soon?”
“Yes, lord. Within the hour, if all goes well. I’m here to say goodbye. It was an honor to work with you. It seems that Treadrock is in good hands.”
Garron smiled, “You’re too kind, ser.” He then remembered, “Ah yes, the package for the king!” He stood up and left the room for a moment. Joshua was glad that Garron remembered because he had forgotten to ask him about it. After a few moments, Garron walked back in carrying a crate. It wasn’t very wide but was decent in length. He handed it to Joshua. “There you are, ser. Glad we didn’t go and forget. The king would be displeased if it didn’t get to him, I’m sure.” Joshua stood there, holding the crate. It wasn’t as heavy as he thought it might be. “Thank you, lord. I will make sure that he receives it.” Garron nodded. Joshua sat the crate down and shook the lord’s hand. And with that, he gathered the crate as well as his belongings and mounted his horse outside the hall. He took another look at the leadership hall and the carvings outside the building, then trotted his horse until he reached the outside of the city gates.
The ride back to Roseshire didn’t seem as bad as the trip away from it. At least now Joshua had something to look forward to. It had been less than a week since he had left, but the past few days felt like a month’s worth of time. At least Treadrock would be better off now. Joshua also felt confident that it was in good hands with Garron. He truly seemed to want the best for the city and its people.
Two days went by very quickly and Joshua was that much closer to being home. He was hoping that he would be able to stay home for some time before having to leave again. He just wanted to spend time with his sister and mother once again. He wondered how they had fared the past few days. He then thought of the dream he had a few nights ago. Something about a dark figure. He had wondered what it meant, though probably nothing good.
Joshua was now less than half a day’s ride from Roseshire. He had wanted to stop and visit Aalot for a moment, to see how he and his family had been. Joshua made it to the old inn and approached the building. He walked up to the door to notice that it was left open. “Hello?” Joshua called out. “Aalot, are you here?” He heard nothing. He walked around the first floor and then walked up the stairs and checked all the rooms on the second floor. The place seemed to be empty.
Joshua walked outside of the inn and looked around the yards surrounding the building. There was no one to be found until Joshua saw something underneath a nearby tree in the side yard. He approached the tree to investigate. To Joshua’s disappointment, it was a grave. It appeared to be the grave of Aalot’s daughter. Joshua hung his head. “So she didn’t make it after all,” he said out loud. He stayed for a moment longer to pay his respects, then turned back to mount his horse once more. On his way back home, he pondered Aalot and where he was. If Joshua had to guess, he and his wife would’ve moved elsewhere. It may have been too painful for them to stay in the same building where their daughter had passed.
Later that night, Joshua had returned to Roseshire. It may have been dark, but Joshua was glad to approach and enter the city gates once again. First, he would deliver the crate to the king. Then he would be free to join his family. After reaching the gates, Joshua stabled his horse and grabbed the crate. It wasn’t heavy, just awkward to carry. He entered and walked to the castle stairs and started climbing. It feels good to be home.
He made it to the top of the stairs and started towards the king’s quarters since that was where he would probably be at this time of night. Joshua approached the door, which had two guards stationed outside of it. “I am here to report to the king, and to deliver this item of his.” The guards looked him up and down, then looked at the crate. “What’s in it?” one of them asked. Joshua shrugged, “Truth be told, I haven’t the slightest idea. I just have orders to deliver it.” Before the guards could question him more, the king opened the door. “Ah, Joshua, I thought I heard you. Please, come inside.” As the king retreated to his quarters, the guards gave Joshua a long look and stepped aside. Joshua then followed the king to his room and the door closed behind them. The king walked over to a table that had been set up. “Wine?” he asked. “No, your grace.” Braden poured two glasses anyways. He brought one glass over to Joshua and they both sat down.
“So, how fared your trip to Treadrock?”
“Fine, your grace. Garron seems to be doing well, and the people respect him.”
“Splendid. Was there any trouble or something to report?”
“Well, there was one thing. There was a small rebel group that remained from the Sulvaine rebellion. They had kidnapped and killed a counselor. Garron and I set out with some of the soldiers from Treadrock and managed to take them down. We lost several men.”
“That’s a shame. However, good work on handling the situation. Looks like you’re good at this after all.”
Joshua shrugged, “I don’t know your grace, but I tried to handle the situation the best that I could have.”
“Good, good. I am thankful for your service. In fact, I already have another mission for you.”
Joshua was surprised. How could he already have something planned for him? “Your grace, what sort of mission?”
“You’ll be traveling to Yordenfall this time. You’ll receive more details once you arrive, but you’ll be needed to guard the leader and his daughters there. One of them is getting married, you see, to a lord from Roseshire. I need you to travel to Yordenfall and meet with the leader there. Don’t worry, there usually isn’t violence in Yordenfall territory. It is just a precaution. You’ll be guarding the royal caravan to and from the wedding.”
Yordenfall, Joshua thought. It was the largest city within Asedith and had a large city and population. Most of the people from there were friendly, that part was true enough. But it would take a week to get there. It was a long way off, far South in the kingdom. “Your grace, when should I be leaving for this mission?” he asked. “Tomorrow,” the king responded. “The wedding will be taking place in just over a week, so that gives you time to make the journey and make any preparations necessary once you’re there.”
Joshua was baffled. “But your grace, I have only just returned. I was hoping to visit with my family.” The king seemed unwavering. “I understand Joshua, I do. But I’m counting on you for this. It is for the good of the kingdom, trust me. I wouldn’t ask you if it weren’t important.” Joshua looked sharply at the king. “Ask me, or command me
?” Braden approached him, “Come now, don’t take everything so hard. You’re very talented in battle, and you have even more experience now. You’ll represent Asedith well, I’m sure.” Joshua shook his head. He wanted to stay with his family, but he knew that there was no point in arguing with the king. He let out a sigh, “Very well, your grace. It shall be done.”
Braden smiled, “Excellent,” he said. “You may spend the rest of the night and tomorrow morning with your family. You must be gone by midday tomorrow.” Joshua nodded, “Yes, your grace.” He started to walk away and then remembered the crate. “Also, the crate that you requested is there on the table.” The king turned and walked to the table. He then opened the crate and pulled out a sword that was fashioned by Treadrock blacksmiths, and made with the finest steel. It had gold and jewels engraved in the pommel. It was truly a sword fit for a king. Braden stood there, holding the sword with a dark grin.
Chapter 13: Long Road Ahead
Joshua woke up the next morning, still feeling incredibly tired. He had been very busy since the knighting ceremony. He used to think that once the Sulvaine rebellion had ended that things would start to slow down for him. He was starting to realize just how wrong he had been. He lay there in bed, thinking of king Braden and how demanding he was. The things he asked of Joshua usually made sense, but he couldn’t help but think that perhaps he asked too much from him.
After Joshua had left the king’s quarters last night, he walked to his family’s place and briefly spoke to them before he rested. Since he was to depart once again today, he was planning on speaking to them in the morning before he had to depart Roseshire once again. It was hard to believe that he must leave again so soon.
Joshua climbed out of bed and got dressed, yet again in his chainmail. He made sure to keep his bedroll and other supplies gathered together so that he would be ready to leave once again later in the day. He walked out of his bedchambers and saw his mother sitting in the main room, reading parchments. “Anything interesting mother?” he asked. She turned to him. “Ah Joshua, you’re up. No, nothing quite so interesting. I’m just reading the daily courier newsletter and trying to stay up to date on current events. It’s important, you know.” Joshua never took much interest in the newsletters before. Most of the time it was of matters that didn’t concern him. “Anything of king Braden recently?” She shook her head. “No, nothing as of late. Nothing since he had been crowned, anyway. Actually, you were mentioned a few days ago, about your knighting ceremony.” Joshua teased her, “And I thought you said there was nothing interesting.” She shrugged, “Nope, nothing interesting at all.” They both laughed for a moment.
The two of them sat and talked for a time. It made Joshua feel better to speak to his mother once again. He had already told her the previous night of how he would have to leave already. She had come to terms with her son’s duties and accepted it. She didn’t always show it, but Joshua knew that she was grateful. After talking for a time, Joshua started to gather his things and started towards the door. “Where’s Emilia?” he asked her. “She’s out helping some of the needy around the city. Bless that girl, even now she tries her best to help those who are less fortunate.” Joshua was pleased to hear that all the recent events hadn’t changed his sister’s helpful ways. The world truly did need more people like her.
Terra looked to her son. “If I had to guess, she’s helping that old farmer on the outskirts of the city. With luck, you might be able to catch her on your way out.” Joshua nodded, “Thank you, mother. I’d better be going now.” He started towards the door when his mother called for him again. “Son.” He turned around and looked at her. She walked up to him and wrapped her arms around him. “I love you. Please return to us safely.” He then wrapped his arms around her as well. “I love you too, mother. I will try my hardest.” And with that, Joshua walked towards the door once more and picked up his belongings on the way out.
Joshua reached the bottom of the castle steps and proceeded towards the city gates. Not far from the gates would be the “old farmer” that his mother had mentioned. That’s where Emilia was thought to be. Joshua kept walking until he eventually reached the small farm. He didn’t have to look very far until his sister started calling his name from across the field. “Joshua! Joshua!” she shouted. She had been helping the old man carry a wheelbarrow full of dirt across the field, since he was old and frail. Joshua waved to his sister and proceeded towards her as she sat down the wheelbarrow and started walking towards him.
“Hot day today, isn’t it?” she asked. “It’s even hotter when you’re out in the sun and working a farm,” Joshua teased. Emilia ignored the jape and gave her brother a hug when she reached him. “I’ve missed you brother,” she started. “I know you just made your vows less than a week ago, but things are already different. It’s usually quiet around here.”
“I know, I know. I’m sorry that I’ve been gone so much. Believe me, I’d rather be here. I wish I didn't have to leave so soon. I just got back.”
“Truly. I know Braden mentioned that it’s the lord of Yordenfall’s daughter who is getting married, but why must you go? There should be plenty of soldiers that could go in your place. Is there any other way?”
“I’m afraid not, sister. I tried to convince him to let me stay home a while longer, but he seemed unphased by my asking. Besides, because of the oath, it’s not as if I could say no to him anyway.”
“I know. I understand, truly I do. And I know that you are loyal, Joshua. Just try to keep in mind that loyalty isn’t always everything. It is honorable, to be sure, but if the person you are loyal to doesn’t value your loyalty or would take advantage of it, maybe the oath should be broken.”
Joshua was taken aback, “Emilia, things are nowhere near that bad. I must follow these orders, for your sake and mothers. Don’t worry, nobody would take advantage of us,” he tried to assure her by smiling. Emilia still seemed on edge as if she were worried. “I should hope not,” she said. “I just worry for you is all. Maybe I’m overreacting.” At that moment, the old farmer started calling for Emilia once again for her to come to help him. She turned to Joshua and laughed, “Well, I better get back to it!” Joshua grinned. He loved how carefree and kind his sister was. Everywhere she went, she seemed to bring life and joy with her. He then started to worry, thinking about the dream that he had a few nights ago. The dark figure. Maybe it meant nothing, but it still didn’t give Joshua a good feeling. “Emilia… Please be careful,” he said. She turned to him and grinned, “Always.” They then embraced in a long hug. “Stay safe on your travels, brother. I love you.” Joshua held her in his arms a moment longer. “I love you too.” They then said goodbye and Emilia started towards the farmer as Joshua gathered his things and proceeded towards the city gates.
Joshua made it to the stables and saddled his horse. “Well boy, here we are again,'' he said. He then slowly trotted away from the stables and got on the road. With at least a week’s worth of riding ahead of him, Joshua tried to have a calm mind and think of the task at hand. He couldn’t help but think of the dark figure in his dream and what it could mean. He also thought about the king and how different everything was now. Again, how could things get so complicated? He thought to himself. Clouds rolled in and it started to rain as Joshua and his horse darted on the road to Yordenfall.
The road to Yordenfall had been long and dreadful. Most of the path itself wasn’t very dangerous, but it seemed to take ages to reach the city. Every day and even the early hours of the night, Joshua rode his horse as fast as he could. He hoped to make it to the city within a week at the most. If he felt like he hadn’t traveled as much as he had hoped at the end of a day, he would light a torch and travel further into the night.
Most nights were peaceful on the journey. When Joshua prepared to rest for the night, he would find a nearby tree and lay on his bedroll if there wasn’t a nearby inn. Sometimes, he would actually prefer the outdoors. There was a certain peace outside that just couldn�
��t be attained inside. He would lay out in his bedroll with his arms crossed behind his head and just stare at the night sky and its many stars.
Some days were better than others, however. There were times when he would be caught out in a storm, or when a dreadful rain would ruin his night under the stars. It was times like these when Joshua would accept his losses and find the nearest inn for shelter. There was even one night that when Joshua had set up his bedroll by a tree, he heard growling noises. There was a pack of wolves that had crept up on him, four of them. Joshua quickly jumped up and unsheathed his sword and backed up to the tree. They cornered him, still growling. Joshua knew better than to run. Wolves were always faster than men, and he would have to be a fool to turn his back on them. He tried to stand his ground, moving his sword to each of them. They had not moved for a few moments. Then mysteriously, the wolves one by one turned around and walked away. Joshua slowly sat on the ground, trying to calm his nerves. “Really, Braden? I had to be the one to go?” he asked aloud.