KOK Chapter 5 - The Invitation

Chapter 5 – The Invitation

               It was a clear day and both Henry and Stephen had retreated to their favorite spot by the river after schooling. Henry was skipping rocks, trying to skip all the way across to the other bank. Stephen had tried for a while and decided he would not accomplish that today and moved onto the next thing that came to mind. Stephen had carefully selected a stick he thought the perfect size and straight enough to fashion a spear. He was carefully removing the buds where small branches were. “What did you make of the speech we received today, Henry?”
               “Oh, we should have been expecting it. We only have a few days left and they really want us looking to this mystical king.” Henry replied.
               “Why do you do that Henry? Why must you make fun? Your father and brother are both true believers. Our whole town was founded by believers. The way we live and learn is based on that belief. Why do you mock it that way?” Stephen stopped what he was doing and had a concerned look and tone.
               “I’m sorry. I know you are really trying to find answers. I guess I am too, but I get so frustrated when it seems no one is giving us straight answers. The prophets get up every week and lecture us on how we should live. You know and I know they don’t live any better, in fact not as good of lives as our dads. Then you’ve got that kid the other week, what was his name James? He is a liar and a cheat, but he stands up and makes this profession and now all of a sudden the town thinks he is Mr. Righteous.” Henry did not attempt to hide his frustration from his friend. He let his temper get the best of him sometimes.
               “But what does your dad say about those things? He seems to be the most connected man I know.”
               “He speaks in riddles! He tells me that his king doesn’t choose us based on our merit. He tells me that nobody is good enough for him. That doesn’t make sense! Don’t The Oracles teach an awful lot about living right? Isn’t that the point?” Henry was just throwing rocks at this point, not even pretending to skip them. After a moment he quit altogether.
               “What if that’s not the point?” Stephen asked looking into the distance.
               “What do you mean?” Henry replied.
               “What if the point is much more personal and deep? What if we are right about the prophets and the public professions of so many? Maybe that is not the true way and that’s why we get confused. Your brother William, what was it like when he received the invitation?”
               Henry closed his eyes for a moment. Stephen thought he looked very much like his father when he prays. “It was different…” Henry began. “We were all at home. I only remember parts because I was pretty young. William was off by himself I think when he came and got father. He had a strange look on his face and when he told father they knelt to pray. Father wept openly and mother came in when she heard. After they were finished praying they all three were crying and hugging. After that they called for the Prophet James to come over. Do you remember him? He was very different from the prophets we have today. He died not long after that.”
               “So how does that match with what we see today? How do the teachings of Prophet James match with what we hear today? Do you see? We may be missing it because so many have it wrong.” Stephen wanted so badly to find the answers. He had always been interested, but lately it was as if something had been awakened in him. It was a desire, no more of a need. He lie awake the last two nights (although he told no one) reading The Oracles and praying. He knew somehow he needed to find what he was missing.
“Are you saying the prophets don’t get it? How can that be? Aren’t they supposed to be the ones teaching us?” Henry had never really considered this and he was even more confused by his friend’s idea.
               “I don’t know, it just doesn’t seem to add up. The Oracles say that the only way is for the Elevated King to call us. That’s the invitation we hear about. The prophets seem to think we need them to get to the King. That doesn’t make sense. The Oracles speak about a change inside us, but mostly we only see folk making speeches and announcements but living the same. The Oracles say that if we are truly called by the Elevated King then we will live different lives. Most folk seem to think that in order to be called by the King we need to live better. Don’t you see? Maybe it’s all backwards and that’s why we haven’t understood it.” A small tear ran down Stephen’s cheek as he spoke now. Henry had rarely seen his friend this intense.
               “Stephen I don’t know what to think. Sometimes I think there is nothing to all this and my family has believed in a lie. Sometimes I think that everyone but me will get this. I just don’t know.”
“Henry, I have felt the same way, but lately I feel like I am going to explode inside if I don’t figure this out. I can’t explain it, but it’s like I know I’m in danger and I think the King is the answer, but I can’t quite figure out how to get there.” Both boys fell silent for a moment. “It’s getting late. I told my father I’d be eating with you, so let’s go.”
               “It’s a good thing mother likes you Stephen.” Henry said smiling again.
               “Of course she does, but it’s your father I am interested in tonight.” The two walked all the way to Henry’s home in virtual silence. They were both were thinking on their conversation and what it may mean.

~

               After the meal Stephen and Henry both went to the hearth. Father said he would meet them in a moment. He helped mother with a few things and then came in. The boys had once again been mostly silent. Father was good at things like this. He seemed to know when to speak and when to listen. “What’s been troubling you Stephen?” father asked as he lit his pipe and took his seat.
               “How did you know something was wrong?” Stephen asked.
               “Because you usually eat more than a horse when you come and tonight you barely ate at all.” The boys broke the silence and laughed softly. “Besides, I have seen you about lately.
“Well sir, it’s about the Elevated King and his invitation.” Stephen didn’t really know what to say or how to say it, but father waved his hand at Stephen inviting him to continue. Henry always enjoyed the way his father listened to folk when they came to him for help. Stephen was just noticing how comfortable he was speaking with Henry’s father. While Stephen and Henry had been friends most of their lives, he had not had many serious conversations with father.
               “These last few days it seems I am greatly troubled inside. I have a fear in me I have never known before. I think maybe the Elevated King is calling me, but I can’t figure it out. Henry and I have been talking about this for some time. It is hard to make sense of what we see out of folk in the town and from the teaching of the prophets. I don’t mean to be ugly, but I know I do not need the kind of experience we see when kids stand in the assembly and make a show of their profession. Sir, I need help and even though my father always took me to the assembly lectures, I cannot figure out what I need to do. I thought you may be able to help.” Stephen had dropped his head by the end of his plea and was once again fighting back small tears.
Father leaned forward toward Stephen and looked directly into his face. “You are not far, son. You have seen past distractions and you are correct. You do not need a show. You are in need of real help. There is only one place to go for this type of help: The Elevated King.”
               “But I have believed in the King since I was a boy, you know this. I have repeated the profession, I have prayed to see what I need to do, and I am left empty.” Stephen knew he had come to the right place.
               “That’s because you can’t do anything; that includes repeating some profession.” Father answered. “When the King calls you, he only wants you to answer. You have to submit to him, but there is nothing to be done. He has done all that needs doing. The words formed from your mouth do not impress him, only that you bow to him inside.”
               The boys sat almost motionless. They were both trying to digest what they had just heard. Henry had not seen his father this intense in a long time. He couldn’t make sense of it all, but there was something unmistakable about it. He knew it must be the truth. Stephen looked as if his mind was working faster the wind. Father sat back, never taking his eyes off of Stephen.
               “Frankly I don’t care what anyone says about it. The King decides on his own how and when to call us. He is the only one you need respond to. He can cause you to understand and teach you what it means to submit; to trust. It’s not about believing in the stories like you always have. It is about trusting The King and him alone. To answer his call you don’t need me or a house full of prophets in robes. Answer him Stephen. He will take care of everything. He will make everything clear.”
               After a moment, Stephen collected himself. “Thank you, sir. I believe this will help me. I am more convinced I need his protection. I must get home, but I may not rest until I find release from this heaviness inside.”
               “I pray you find peace tonight son. May the light of the King illuminate your way.” Father said letting Stephen out the door.
               Henry was still sitting by the hearth when father came back in. “So they really do have it wrong, father?” Henry asked not looking up form the floor.
               “It seems, son that more people see the trees than can see the forest.” Father replied. “Just look to the King. Seek him and everything else will fall into place.”

~

KOK Chapter 4 - The Local Defense

Chapter 4 – The Local Defense

               The Local Defense serves both as a local policing force and a standing militia. It is structured in military fashion with some men serving full time while others only serve an occasional rotation. They are called Reserve Defenders. All able bodied men are obligated to serve full time for four seasons after schooling. After that they may choose to remain full time as William did, or they can pursue lives ‘outside’ as farmers or merchants and such. Even father being a merchant is still obligated to serve a rotation on the watch every season. All the men in town maintain status as Reserve Defenders until they are no longer able.
               Viewing Kidron as almost a square, it is bordered on two adjacent sides by woods. The perimeter towers looked into these deep forests. The Olden River was on one side which led out to the sea. The other side is a small cliff face that looks out over the Great Sea. There is not much of a beach below. It is mostly rocks.
               The local patrol is done in shifts taking portions of the day within the team. The team is on duty usually for a day at a time. Local patrol also includes manning the perimeter towers, cliff towers, and river patrol. Mostly they are in place for lending assistance to anyone in trouble on the water. There are towers on the cliffs to watch out mostly for incoming merchant ships, although they also keep an eye out for trouble headed our way. The Local Defense has met more than one landing party on the shore and asked them to find other port. Mostly though the occasional ship will come to trade for supplies and are gone in a day. There are also perimeter patrols and deep patrols.
               The perimeter patrols are done two days at a time. They patrol outside of town in the woods some on foot and some on horse just beyond the sight of our perimeter towers. The perimeter patrol is usually conducted by teams of full time defenders paired with the reserves. The perimeter patrols have been known to catch youth who are up to no good in the woods and take them straight to their parents. You learn early on in Kidron to respect the Local Defense. They also ensure large animals don’t make it into town which usually provides meat for feasts and celebrations.
               The deep patrol teams go out for a couple weeks at a time. They are the most structured and regimented teams of the Local Defense. There are always three deep patrol teams roving at the same time. One is newly out; one is midway through their rotation, and one s nearing the end at any given time. The deep patrols are always done by those who chose to serve full time. They rotate between patrol types spending a few days between duties after deep patrol unless there are specific needs.
Only a full time defender’s rank has any authority unless they are on patrol. William was recently promoted to Leftenant. This is the lowest ranking officer. Entering the Local Defense, you are given the title of Defender. The creed states that every member of the Local Defense is a Defender first. This is meant both figuratively and literally. The word is used both as a specific rank and to describe anyone in the force. The first promotion is to Sergeant. This is the highest rank the reserves achieve. Sergeants are then assigned as Watch Commanders. This is more a position instead of a rank. The officers are promoted out of the Sergeant ranks, not necessarily Watch Commanders. The officers’ ranks are (in order) Leftenant, Captain, Commander, and of course there is the Commandant. He serves until he appoints a replacement or until the town’s Elders remove him by unanimous vote. No Commandant has ever been removed, but exists as the process in case there is need.
               There is surprisingly little fuss (at least publicly) over promotions. They are in no way automatic. Promotions occur when the need arises and is based on an individual’s abilities and the force’s need. William was certainly not the most senior in experience, but most would agree he was the best choice for instance. He was always the bravest and strongest in his class at school. No one can match his sword, but more important; most men will follow him off a cliff if he goes.
               Life for a full time defender is not bad. There is little pay, but most all the town treats them to meals, often to merchandise and so on. In that respect they are similar to the prophets who receive no pay unless someone gives them a gift. In both cases their needs are mostly met (and many of their desires if they are not extravagant) by the goodness of the town people. It is taught in Kidron that folk owe them for the service they provide. Mostly no one disagrees.
               William went to the watch office to review the reports as he was to report for deep patrol the next day. “Good day Leftenant!” The Watch Commander said as he entered.
               “Good day. How are the patrols running?” William asked. He had known Watch Commander George all his life. He was the same age as William’s father. He was not able to do much patrolling anymore, but desired to serve and enjoyed filing the reports and was very good at keeping the rosters and the men organized. Seeing that he held the rank of Sergeant, he had been given the permanent position of Watch Commander for the deep and perimeter patrols when William was still in schooling. He and the other Watch Commanders, (there were three for local patrol that shared responsibility) kept things running smoothly. The Officers mainly focused their efforts on leading the men on patrols and training.
               “Everyone is mostly reporting on time and there have not been any incidents all season.” WC George prided himself not only on being organized, but on keeping recent patrol reports in his memory. “Is there something in particular you wanted to know about? I heard there was a nice sized bear out there. You have been known to bring them in…”
               “Actually, I wanted to know about something more serious. Could I speak with you outside?” William wasn’t sure exactly what he was going to say, but he knew he could trust WC George and his father’s words from the evening before had replayed in William’s mind all night. Was there anything to father’s fears or was he just concerned over nothing?
               The two men went outside the office, outside of earshot of defenders going about their normal business and the elder said, “William, I have known you for sometime and you look like something is wrong. Is it your father? Has he fallen ill?”
               “It’s nothing like that, but he has gotten me thinking about a story he told me last night after supper. Father is concerned about increasing reports of sightings in the woods outside town.” William spoke with a careful tone.
               “What do you mean? I told you about the bear. Last week the perimeter patrols caught some of the school boys sneaking out during their lessons. What reports are you referring to?
               “Reports that the woods watchers have returned. Do you know anything about this?” As soon as William had said the name he saw a shift in the face of his comrade.
               “Where did you hear this?” The experienced defender was now very grave. His face was a bit pale now as if a sense of dread had swept over him. “What do you know of them?”
               “Not much, again my father said he was hearing rumors. He just shared with me about his father fighting them in the last war. I am not even sure if this is something to be concerned about, but as I lie in my rack last night I could not get father’s words out of my mind. As I prayed I could find no relief. Please tell me I am spooked for no reason.” William sounded desperate. He was.
               “William, I have been all but ordered not to mention such things. The elders think I am paranoid, but for two seasons I have been awakened in the night with that same dread. I pray for answers, but feel only more certain that dark days are ahead. There have been increasing reports of mysterious things in the woods. People, good and honest people, have reported feeling like they were followed but never a clear sighting. Since no one can say for sure, their reports are going unfiled and I am told there is no evidence. If your father is similarly concerned then I am assured the Elevated King is warning us. There are few men as aware as your father, William.”
               “I don’t know what to say. Between you and father I must say I am chilled to the core about something I have never seen. Who else have you spoken to about this? I am sure the Commandant would listen to you. You have many seasons of respected service.” William said.
               “It may come to that, lad. For the time, my Commander has asked me to be discreet about such conversations. The elders met with him about this. For now I will abide by that instruction. I tell you keep your eyes open, though. Be on guard and in prayer. I hope for all our sakes that I am wrong, but I do not believe I am. I must be back to my post now. We will speak again when you come back from your deep patrol.” With that WC George placed his hand on William’s shoulder and whispered a brief prayer of protection for him, then turned and went inside once again.
               William thought it just his imagination, but at that moment he suddenly felt as if he were being watched. He spun about and saw nothing out of the ordinary, but this feeling was to last for some time to come. “Well, I’ll either be ready when the time comes or lose sleep for nothing.” William thought to himself. He gathered the required reports and set back to check his supplies for the coming patrol.

~

KOK Chapter 3 - The Watchers

Chapter 3 – The Watchers

               Father waited until Henry was out of the room before speaking again and William was anxiously waiting. “You are about to go out on deep patrols again soon are you not?”
               “Yes, father, the day after tomorrow will be my rotation again. Why do you ask?”
               “I have heard things in the market that there have been increased sightings. I heard some of the last patrols spent days tracking some manner of beast or man. I have even heard an increase of locals describing encounters not far into the woods where they were being followed or spied upon from a distance but no one can seem to catch a good look at the stalkers.” There was seriousness in father's voice that William didn't like, but William was not sure how serious to take these statements.
               “I have my briefing tomorrow and I am sure the watch commander will inform us of any such matters. You must take some of this with a grain of salt though. There are always stories of creatures in the wood. The young boys tell the tales of monstrous visitors come to steal away children in the night. You even have been known to spin such a tale.” William was careful not to take too light a tone since father was so serious.
               “This is different son. Yes there are always stories and always will be, but some have a basis. Besides, I have feared for some time this would be the case. We have lived for quite a long time with no direct challenge to the peace here in Kidron. It has not always been this way.” Father puffed on his pipe a bit more before he stood gazing into the hearth. “Do you recall the stories about the woods watchers?”
               “Of course I do father. Whenever we went to the edge of town, all of us boys would make like we had seen these creatures spying on us. I used to keep Henry up half the night worrying about their attacks, but they were just stories.” William replied.
               “Well, not exactly son. When I was a boy here in Kidron, my father was a captain of the local defense. He was a true Knight of Kidron. There started to be stories of men seen hiding in the wood and seemingly spying on our township. We started calling them woods watchers. At first none of the adults took us seriously. They just thought it was our imaginations. Then the sightings began to occur more often.
               One night your grandfather was leading a patrol when his men spotted what appeared to be a small band of thieves breaking camp. This was not far from the edge of town, just beyond sight of the nearest post. He and his men carefully approached what they thought were common thieves as not to be seen or heard. Just before they were in distance to spring their attack they were discovered. These strangers were dressed in odd fashion, adorned with rough animal hides and horns and bones. Some of the patrolmen thought at first they were demons. Even though there were only three of them and my father had a full team of ten with him they nearly lost the fight. Half of the patrolmen fell at the hands of these strange men. All but one of them escaped.
               My father said he had never fought against such vicious men. The smallest of them was easily a head higher than the tallest man in Kidron he told me. They painted their faces and wore the animal hides and rather looked more like beast than man. The one who was sufficiently injured as not to escape lay there spitting at the patrolmen. My father said they spoke in some strange tongue, but the tone was unmistakable. That strange man continued in a threatening tone until he could no longer speak and then he perished.” William's father once again closed his eyes in prayer for a moment. He puffed his pipe and stared into the hearth.
               “I have never heard about this before father. Who were they?” William asked now beginning to feel the gravity of the situation.
               “They were spies.” Father said. “They were from a land far away and were just the beginning. This was the start of the last war. It lasted several seasons and cost Kidron many brave men. There were often times when it seemed everyone's father was gone. Only a few of the clerics were left with the women and the young. There were days of fasting and mourning. The clerics would gather us all in the hall and we would weep for the lost and cry, literally cry out for help and protection. When it was over there was a lot of work to be done to rebuild homes that were burned. There were few barns standing. That's why there are still crumbled walls where buildings and homes stood on the side of town closest the water. I was still young when we lost your grandfather. He was wounded in a battle and brought home to pass with his family. It was near the end and he lasted just long enough to hear that the war was over. He told me then in his last days not to forget. He told me the day would again come when we would be attacked.”
               “Why was this never taught to us? They tell us about the war, but never about how costly or close it was.” William hung his head thinking about what father had just told him.
               “The elders of the town now think it best not to worry the young so much I guess. I'm not sure I had thought about it until recently.” Father said. “I want you to be careful son. I believe you could take any man in Kidron, I do. But I don't want you to have to test your blade against these strange men if they have truly returned. Speak to Commander George at the post. His father was with your grandfather in those days. He will recall the woods watchers.”
               “I will father. I will be cautious, but I must defend Kidron. You know this.”
               “I know son, we both must do what we are called to. Now go on back to your bunk. It is late and you have things to attend to.” Father said. “Keep these things in mind, and trust in his majesty to lead you!” William grabbed his sword and tunic and was gone. Father stayed by the hearth for some time lost in thought until mother came in and wrapped her arms around his waist as she lay her head on the back of his shoulder.
               “Is it really happening again Henry?” she asked quietly.
               “I'm afraid it may be. We must pray for our boys. They will both no doubt play a part.” father replied. “They must live the life they are called to live.” He said, and turned to hold his wife. They stood there holding each other silently as their hearts cried out for what they feared would come.

~

KOK Chapter 2 - At Home

Chapter 2 – At Home

               When the two boys got home it was already time for dinner. Their father was sitting at the head of the table while their mother was bringing out the pot containing some type of stew. While not complaining since it mostly turned out quite well, Henry had remarked before that she would no doubt make water stew some day as she had stewed everything else. Their home was not large but had enough space for them. They had enough room at their table for a small number of guests, which they often had and tonight was no exception. There was a young married couple from in town seated already as they entered. Henry had seen them before but didn’t know their names. The fire in the hearth made the home comfortably warm. The smell of mother’s stew was inviting. The guests seemed to be in a happy mood, and mother smiled as they entered. This was all in contrast to the scowl that their father, also named Henry, was giving to his sons to tell them they should have been home already. Before he could say anything William burst out in an excited tone, “Father, you should have seen your namesake today!” Henry dropped his head expecting William to share his embarrassment with everyone. “He was already dispatching one foe with his blade when I arrived and would have rightly taken me down as well were it not for a chance encounter with hazardous terrain.” William kissed his mother before taking his seat.
               “Is that right boy? Are you going to best your older brother yet?” father asked. William’s introduction had erased any irritation at their being late. “That almost makes up for your sneaking out of assembly today.”
               “About that, dad...”
               Henry’s father waved his hand to cut his son off. “Never mind, you heard the reading and were no doubt deliberating the entire time. Let us give thanks for the meal and forget all about that for now. Just remember your father is watching.” With that they all held hands around the table and Henry’s father gave thanks. “For the goodness of this day and the grace yet to be seen we give thanks. We ask only for that portion which is ours and wisdom to bear it. May his majesty look kindly on his subjects tonight and give us light for the morrow.”
               The meal was wonderful as always. There was always good food, but more than that meal time at their home was always a happy time. The young couple, maybe his name was John, told funny stories how they were learning to get along. They had been married since the planting season and it was only harvest now. They had built a home on the edge of town on the side toward the deep woods. Henry’s father told funny stories about when he and Elizabeth, their mother, were first married. She of course blushed and smiled as she told him to stop. After the meal John retreated to the porch with father for private conversation. This was common, although sometimes if it was a married couple they would both go with him. Tonight though John’s bride, Beth maybe, went in with mother and helped with cleaning up. They seemed like nice folks. John had moved to Kidron a couple years back. He had previously been employed on a merchant ship that came around about once a season. Beth had grown up in one of the towns a day’s ride away from Kidron. Her family had been lost in some terrible accident and she had come to live with her aunt.
               William and Henry sat by the hearth. William was reading one of father’s books of teaching on The Oracles. After some time Henry broke the silence. “How can you read so much about those old stories?”
“They’re not just stories little brother. They are the basis for how we should live and judge right from wrong.” William took The Oracles very seriously. He had professed his faith in the Elevated King at an early age. Henry was barely old enough to remember. He had not made a big fuss like earlier at the assembly. Henry remembered they were at home. It was a tearful affair. Both mother and father were weeping he remembered. It was as if they had been expecting it; waiting for it; and the prize had finally come. Perhaps that is why Henry was so harsh about the matter. He wondered why they could all see something he couldn’t. Henry felt sometimes as if his father was keeping some secret from him. William too for that matter. “I know it is hard for you to understand right now...”
               “It isn’t hard. I just don’t understand it.” Henry interrupted.
               “Well, you will little brother. One day, and it may be soon, there will come a moment when you too will see the Elevated King.”
               “What do you mean see him? That’s impossible!” Henry replied.
Just then father broke in, “Your brother is right, Henry.” They hadn’t noticed the young couple leaving and their father coming into the room. He walked past them and retrieved his pipe from the mantle. He used a slim stick he lit from the hearth to light his pipe and puffed a couple times before taking his seat by his boys. His father spoke in an easy tone, not scolding. “I have told you before that just as your brother, mother and I have, you too will come to understand someday.
               “Father, I’m almost grown. William received this visit early on so why not me?” Henry asked in an aggravated tone. I just don’t get it. I am near top of my class. I am not a trouble maker. That boy this morning; he is a sneak and a liar and you are going to tell me your mystical king chose him before me? That doesn’t sound right. Stephen wants to find these deep truths and he is still as I am. Maybe your king doesn’t want us.”
               Henry’s father didn’t get angry at Henry’s tone. Even though William was about to correct his young brother about his tone towards their father and about the Elevated King no less, he stayed William and puffed his pipe before speaking in a very gentle voice. “Son, I know this is difficult. You have to understand. He doesn’t choose us because we are good enough. None of us would ever do. Not me, not William, and certainly not that boy this morning. He chooses us because he cares for us and our lives and wants to rescue us. When we are called is not a matter for us to understand. The King answers to no one. It is his prerogative.” With this he again closed his eyes for a moment. “I assure you son. Both you and young Stephen will have your meeting. You just need to be ready. Do not keep him waiting when you hear his call.”
               Henry didn’t really understand this, but he never did. Their answers always seemed to go in circles but yet he knew they were probably right. “I’ll try father” Henry said as he got up to go to his bed. It was late and he would once again lie in thought over these puzzling words.
               “William, stay a while. I have something to discuss with you.” Their father said. His voice sounded like it was important; not angry, just focused.
               Henry went to his bed and lie there. So there was this mystical king who once lived among them. This same king was supposed to be the leader of all warriors. He would somehow make himself known to people when and where he wanted to? Based on what? It seemed based on nothing. Father said none of us are good enough, yet it seemed the ‘accepted people’ were the ones making public professions in the assembly. He spoke of The Oracles, but not in the same way as the prophets. William seemed to understand why couldn’t Henry?
               The import in father’ voice made Henry a little curious, but it was probably more matters of town politics. Henry had no interest in that. He thought he overheard William say something about the rumors of thieves in the deep forest before his father quieted him. Just then mother came into the room where the boys’ beds were and Henry lay.
               “I heard you boys talking in there. I know you are frustrated but your father is right. It is not our place to decide when the King may call. We just have to listen. Your father and I pray for you and we have tried to teach you, but you are coming of age now. We cannot make decisions for you. We cannot answer for you. That’s the way of life. That’s the way with the King. Only you can answer for yourself.” She had spent many a night wondering if Henry was just running from his calling. Henry the elder tried to comfort her, but they both prayed often.
               “I know, mom. I just can’t see it yet. Whatever this calling is I hope it is soon; and I hope I haven’t missed it.” Henry knew his mother meant well, but she spoke in riddles too it seemed.
               “You can’t miss it son. That I am sure of. Sleep easy son.” and she was gone. He was once again alone with his thoughts while father and William discussed whatever urgent matter by the hearth. I wish I would hear a calling, Henry thought. Something, anything to make this make sense.

KOK Chapter 1 - The Boys

Chapter 1 – The Boys

            Henry never really got the point of these lectures. It seemed to him not many were really listening anyway. It was after all, always the same thing. The prophet would call them to order and read from The Oracles whatever was the assigned reading and then carry on for far too long rambling about the significance of these ancient writings. Henry never got much out of the readings and even less from the prophet’s ramblings. It seemed to him that the few who took it seriously, including his parents and older brother, were just putting on an act. What possibly could these old stories impart other than basic moral lessons which everyone had memorized from the time they could walk?

            “Ah yes, here he goes again”, sighed Henry just loud enough so the boys on either side could hear. The chorus had completed their singing and the prophet was beginning his reading.

            “Maybe he’ll read something about the Elevated King today,” one of them said. He actually sounded anxious for some reason. His name was Stephen and he was the same age as Henry. Stephen was a kind hearted youth. The stories about the Elevated King had always excited him. He and Henry had played together, learned together, gotten in trouble together, and just basically been together since either of them could remember. Henry had seemingly outgrown his fascination with the stories. Stephen had not. Sometimes Henry would tease him for holding onto the fairy tales of their childhood, but Stephen was sure there was something more to the stories. He could never quite grasp it, but he often wondered about their true meaning.

            Just as Henry was going to comment on Stephen’s childish enthusiasm, they saw one of their classmates across the  great hall rise, almost leaping to his feet. It was as if a silence had been broken suddenly. Even though it was not silent, for the prophet had begun to speak, sadly most of those assembled were closer to Henry than Stephen and were settling into an almost sleep pretending to listen to the reading. In a triumphant tone the lad cried out “I do believe in the Elevated King! He from above has called me from beneath. He is today my liberation. My death is his, so now his life is mine!”

            Whenever this happened there was a mixed reaction. All Henry’s life he had seen professions such as this. Some seemed more sincere than others, but then they were usually from more sincere seeming people. The prophet was busy saying something about citizenship in the true kingdom. Many who were seated near the lad and his family were busy smiling and embracing him and his family. Henry glanced at his own family. His mother was standing watching the exchanges with a hopeful look on her face. Henry’s father was face down knelt and sincerely praying. This was not uncommon for him, but not normal for others.

            “It doesn’t seem right, does it?” Stephen asked. Henry gave a puzzling look in reply. “He looks like he’s won a trophy. This doesn’t look like a warrior’s awakening.” continued Stephen.

            “What do you expect? All of this is just a show for the community anyways. You know that as well as I do. Let’s just get out of here. They are about to start the choir again and we’ll be here forever if we don’t leave now” Henry said turning for the nearest door. Stephen just shook his head and followed.

            “What do you think it must’ve been like back then?” While Henry grew tired of the fairy tales told by the prophets of the Elevated King and his knights, he was yet intrigued by stories of the old men and the battles they had seen in defense of Kidron, the only land he’d ever known.

            This fact was odd to Stephen because those old men truly believed in the Elevated King, not like the kid in assembly earlier in the day. Henry must just overlook that to hear the stories. “I don’t know. Exciting I think. Back then even the prophets were in on the action. Wasn’t your dad a prophet in those days?” asked Stephen.

            “Nah, he says it was different then. He won’t talk about it much. Mom says they were called clerics I think, but some of the others didn’t like what he taught so they got together and publicly pronounced him a heretic or something. I don’t get why he is still so interested in the assembly lectures now. Anyways, the guard I was patrolling with last week said dad taught the way they did back in the wars. I don’t know what to think of all that. I think dad may have seen some real action, but he won’t ever talk to me about it.”

            “I forgot to tell you...”Stephen’s voice raised in excitement as he rolled over to share with his friend. “I was in the market and saw a group of men gathered around your dad listening to him yesterday. One of the prophets came by and was angry with your dad and told all those men to get away... He said something about them coming to assembly today to hear the real readings. Did you hear about that?”

            “No, but you know he’s always in trouble with them.” Henry said. “I don’t know why, but they don’t like dad to talk about The Oracles with anyone. People come by the house in the evenings sometimes to speak with him. Mom just says they are friends. I am pretty sure they are coming to him instead of the prophets.”

            “You are fortunate, my friend. Your dad knows all the stories of the Elevated King. My dad just tells me to go to the assemblies if I want to hear about it.” Stephen lamented.

            “Are you crazy? That’s all they talk about! He and my brother all evening at the house. If it’s not politics, then it is the Elevated King and his Knights and their continued existence and influence, and on and on...”

            As Henry rolled his eyes and continued repeating ‘on and on’, Stephen picked up one of the wooden practice swords they had left there when last they sparred and interrupted his friend with an offensive jab as he exclaimed “Maybe you should pay attention when they speak of the greatest warrior. You might not be so easy a target then!” Henry seeing his friend’s movement just in time rolled out of reach and made a dash for the other wooden sword resting on a rock nearby. The two carried on for several minutes with the advantage changing sides repeatedly. If they were not so intent on impressing the other and so prone to laughing and complimenting each other, they could have been more focused on their sword play and a bit less dramatic. Although they both were quite skilled with a blade, this challenge was more well suited to the annual drama the school put on. They needlessly jumped over rocks or spun about between attacks. After a time it seemed they were more interested in devising a more grandiose style than an effective thrust. So enthralled in their ‘combat’ they missed the approach of Henry’s older brother William until he drew his own sword only a couple paces away.

            “What are you doing here?” Henry demanded of William.

            “Coming to collect the children to take them home for their feeding and changing.” replied William. William was three years older than Henry and noticeably larger built. William was a respected member of the local defense and known both for his upstanding nature and for never losing a fight. This of course was the apparent cause of some of Henry’s toughness and his attitude; fearing he would never live up to William’s high standard. Henry got along well with William mostly, but they were brothers after all and Henry was coming of age which meant he thought he was wiser than William. This hardly ever proved to be true of course.

            “You will have to take me by force after that remark.” Henry replied, after which William grinned and began his assault. Stephen thought about getting in the mix, but caught a look from William that assured him he was better as a spectator for this match. William was stronger and more experienced, so Henry had to concentrate and be at his best to last at all. William loved to push Henry to his limit in the hopes of helping him grow. Today was no different. William never let the grin fall from his lips. This infuriated Henry all the more as he ducked and spun as quickly as he could. William was, of course always one step ahead. William knew very well how to read men’s movements and especially those of his little brother. He watched his eyes; he watched his shoulders; they all gave away Henry’s movements. This was the benefit of experience. Henry knew this and had planned a little surprise for his next encounter with William. Mid-spin Henry attempted to change directions to come about on William’s unprotected side. He had practiced this maneuver with Stephen a hundred times to perfect it. Finally he was about to change the tide! The only problem is that the pebbles beneath Henry’s feet did not give him enough traction to do so. Instead of coming about quickly, which William was truly not expecting, Henry just sank to the ground as his feet seemed to choose their own independent paths.

            William, completing his spin and seeing his dejected brother on the ground, intentionally kept his eyes up and looked around in jest shouting, “Brother, brother where are you? Where did you learn to run so fast? How can I fight with no opponent?”

            Henry was less than amused at his brother’s attempt at humor and simply told his friend they would meet up tomorrow perhaps. Dusting himself off a few steps past his brother Henry did manage to say “Well, come on Will.” William just chuckled, returning his sword to its scabbard and waved at the also chuckling Stephen as they departed. It was a few minutes walk back to town and then several more to their home on the edge of the market side of town. Henry hardly spoke on the way. William of course didn’t stop talking. He told his brother of the fights he had to break up on his patrols and of the rumors of thieves in the forest beyond town. Henry was embarrassed, but did enjoy hearing the stories. Maybe someday they two would patrol together. That would be a fine thing. Fine indeed.