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.
~
No comments:
Post a Comment