Two days had passed since the attack and no further incidents. The patrols were all doubled, The lights stayed lit at night outside. Henry had not returned home. It seemed as if there were no peace to be found. William had spent most of both days searching the usual places and beyond for his younger brother. The rest of the time he was helping his father train men in secret. Inasmuch as the seasons were beginning to change it seemed the town was changing and no one was sure what the outcome would be.
Thunder continued to roll this morning as the rain fell. This was typical of the season change but added to the uneasiness everyone felt. “William, you must rest.” His mother was concerned. “You are too weak to go out again just now.”
“Mother he is not yet found and I have strength left in me.” William was resolute and solemn.
She was going to say something else but was stopped by the soft touch of her husband’s hand on her shoulder. They watched an exhausted young man leave in the rain. Neither wanted him to go. Neither could imagine all that was at stake.
“He is his own man. Let him be one.”
“I know you feel the guilt too Henry…” she could not continue, but busied herself in chores still sniffling. She was right. Henry felt a great guilt that his youngest son had slipped away. He wondered why he had not taught him more and better. How could this be? Perhaps he had let the council’s ban affect him too much. That would not happen again.
~
Henry was pleased with himself that he had a hiding place no one else knew of. He had spent little time sleeping since his encounter with William. He had taken care of what he needed to so far as catching fish to eat, keeping wood for the fire and such. In fact when the rain began he smiled that he had been one step ahead. He did not intend to stay forever but needed time on his own to sort things out. He had been reading more and more. He could make little sense of most of it but the battle techniques he was mastering on his own so he thought. He was most curious about the portion on fighting with a staff. He had never seen this before but he found a fallen limb of sufficient size and straight, he cleaned it off quickly of its small branches and began trying it out. He was amazed how well he took to it. As good as he had been with a sword it seemed this felt more comfortable to him. His balance was better and he began going through the sequences with ease.
After exercising his new skills he turned back to reading. For the moment gone was the gravity he had felt of late. Now he began to desire more of this knowledge. He was amazed by what he was seeing and how true and right it felt. He returned to his small cave and read of internal struggles and opposing forces that could not be seen. In his excitement he lost awareness of his surroundings until all of a sudden he heard the sounds of animals running near him. It sounded like a herd of something all sprinting nearby toward Kidron. Carefully he peeked out to see what it was but could not believe his eyes. He had never seen anything like them. They ran as men; mad men. They were all dark and covered in hides and furs. Had it been darker he would have thought them beasts of some kind. There were at least twenty of them running, jumping, clawing as they went in what was best described as a stampede.
Henry ducked back down and it was as if his eyes were open for the first time. “This is real. They are here and You have been trying to prepare us.” He said these words aloud but somehow knew he didn’t have to. Now the teachings of his father made sense; even all that he had been reading flashed almost before his eyes fitting together in a mesh that was both glorious and frightening. He fell on his hands and knees face down and continued, “Please forgive me. I know now. I know now. Help me tell others.” In this moment he didn’t question what he had just said. He just knew he needed to tell. The next thought was that these creatures were headed toward his home.
Not giving any thought if there were any more Henry tossed the books into his pack, slipped his tunic on and ran out of his cave and towards home. Without thinking he grabbed his make-shift staff and carried it.
~
As soon as William heard the sounds of terror he turned and ran towards them. He had been looking for Henry but sprang to action at the sound of distress. Screams and shouts and terrifying howls rang out seemingly a long time before the alarm bell sounded in the watch tower. The attack was fast and strong. More than twenty watchers sprang from the tree line and onto a house. A few jumped the fences to kill some cattle and pigs before turning to the house. Some others ran past as if to encounter any neighbors or defenders coming to the rescue. Both did. Both fell before it was finished.
The apparent leader of the raid crashed in the house with two others and did not stop until all inside were dead. William leapt screaming through the window just in time to see the final blow to the family. He had never seen such ferocity in person save the death of Cap Tale. He engaged the watcher with his sword but the savage defended himself well with shielded forearms clad with some tough hide. The two others covered the exits but watched only. William tried to keep watch but his current opponent was enough to keep his mind and eyes busy. Just like before he was large and strong. Every blow that William deflected shook him. Not once did William think that his foe felt the same.
Outside it became clear that the watchers were only buying time instead of fighting in earnest. They kept a perimeter around the house clear. Several neighbors and defenders were coming now and fighting the attackers but no one was prevailing against them. Then as if some unheard signal sounded five of them knocked their attackers away and ran inside. William was only realizing the trouble he was in when four watchers at once jumped on him and the last thing he saw was the smiling face of his adversary. All the watchers outside in unison turned and ran into the trees again and disappeared. No one outside knew what happened, except that the watchers were gone, the house was in shambles, and ten people lay dead counting the family, neighbors and defenders who came to aid them. There were no blood trails to follow and as much as they left a wide and obvious trail on their approach it was as if they disappeared on their retreat.
It was not until much later as the details were pieced together that it was realized William had gone in and not come out. Everyone was helping as best they could to clean up and make sense of it all. Henry, the senior, was holding his wife outside as she had just learned of William’s absence when young Henry ran into the scene. He started to announce what he’d seen in the woods until he focused on what was happening in the town. His jaw dropped but not his staff. This is how he stood when his father caught sight of him. Something was different. At least he had not lost both sons forever, yet.
“Help me take your mother home, son. There is nothing more we can do here.” Henry said to his youngest son.
“Father, things aren’t the same anymore.” He said as his mother embraced him and they began to walk back across town.
“They never will be, son.” Neither Henry knew how true this was.
Stephen had been anxious for the assembly to complete so he could seek out his friend. He found him just where he thought he would. Henry was practicing sword drills but not like any Stephen had ever seen. “Henry, where have you been?”
“Here, getting ready.” Henry raised his sword to his friend but did not look friendly. His brow was intently wrinkled and covered in beads of sweat. His eyes were intense.
Stephen drew his own as he spoke. Usually they used practice swords but it was not unheard of to use the real ones. “I don’t know what’s gotten into you lately. We never practice together anymore and you are always alone.”
Henry began the match with Stephen. “Don’t give me that. You only want to spend time with my dad these days.” The sword play was getting more intense and while they were both accustomed and disciplined Stephen sensed something different.
“It is true your father is teaching me but are we not yet friends? Can we not hunt together and train?” Stephen was thinking that Henry never moved this fast before or struck this hard.
As the swords clashed and the two young men danced their dance around trees and over rocks there was intensity between them that never had been. There were no useless spins or flips and no bragging. Just watching and moving quickly to escape the blade. “Stephen I do not need his teaching nor do I need you. I am better and stronger. “
Stephen would have been terribly disturbed by this but had no time to be as his friend advanced ferociously. Then as Henry swung in one direction but seemed to stop in mid swing to change directions he spun in the opposite way with his body such that he was coming around on a completely unguarded side of Stephen his motion was stopped as his blade met that of another. For a moment Henry was still pressing his sword down on what would have been Stephen’s side except William’s steady steel was preventing it. Stephen just stepped back in shock.
“What are you doing?” William had never spoken this sternly to Henry before.
“I am training.” Henry spoke to William not as a brother but as an adversary.
“I know you took my books while I was away. You cannot learn this yet. You are not ready.” William and Henry lowered their swords but not their voices. Stephen kept silent. “You could have seriously injured your friend.”
“I don’t need your permission or your teaching William. I can take care of myself.” Henry lashed back. “You think you are so special but you’re not. You just want to keep the advantage for yourself. You can’t. I have it and I shall be the best.”
“Henry, listen to yourself. This is not about you. Don’t go down this path. You can’t find the way on your own.” William plead with his younger brother.
“You are not my brother.” Henry said this in a cold tone and turned to Stephen. “You are not my friend. You tried to steal my family? Have them. I need none of you anymore.” Henry left and it was clear that no one was to follow.
~
“Brother, listen to reason. You know in your heart I speak the truth. You are the only elder who remembers what it was like. You are a true believer are you not? Convince the others to let me bring back the old order. We have three living knights and young William rightfully should be. The reports are increasing of sightings, we hear them in the night, livestock have gone missing, how long will we wait?” Jacob had agreed to meet the Commandant at Henry’s house this evening. The three of them were by the hearth.
“I am a believer and I agree with you but the council does not. What am I to do?” Jacob was a sincere man but lacked courage among the elders. “They have forbidden it. Henry you know I love your teaching and know it to be true but I am only one voice.”
“Indeed brother,” Henry spoke for the first time in this already lengthy discussion. “You are but one voice. I believe at the right time it will be heard. Brethren let us calm ourselves in prayer. We are in agreement but prevented currently from decisive action. Let us speak what and when we can but trust the only one we truly can.” Just as Henry was about to lead them William came in the door.
“Father, quickly. Excuse me brethren but my brother is in danger.” William’s face and voice carried the intensity of the moment. He relayed to his father what he had witnessed in the woods and the exchange with young Henry. “I saw to Stephen as best I could and he went home but I do not know where Henry has gone. He lacks the understanding to use what he thinks he is learning. I fear for him greatly.”
“I was afraid something like this would happen.” Henry shut his eyes and prayed silently.
As the men were discussing this they were all startled to hear a woman’s screams outside. All four ran to find not far away one of the young brides of the town knelt on the ground holding her husband’s lifeless and bloodied body. She was of course hysterical and neighbors were beginning to gather. “William, alert the watch commander. Light all the lights and wake all the men at once.” The Commandant was a man for action. He was gifted to act in moments like these as few men are. Brother Henry, fetch the doctor while Brother Jacob and I take this man in doors. Everyone else go inside and see to our loved ones. Keep watch! Keep watch! Pray and watch!”
The young man was already dead. There was nothing that could be done accept mourn with his young widow and console here with the oracles and prayer. Henry of course did that. The prophets were locked in their homes afraid. The defenders searched for tracks but could not find a trail. The lights all stayed lit the rest of the night. No man could have hidden in the town without being seen. Then again, many who saw the body said no man could have done it.
In the morning, Jacob walked into the council room still with blood on him from the night before. The other men whispered and looked at him in shock. “Brethren, how much blood will we have upon us if we do not what we should?” Another began to speak but could get no words to form. “We have invited this evil among us by forgetting our king and I am afraid will now begin to pay a heavy price. I do not know about you but I am going to my home now. I shall wash and then with my family mourn in prayer. I beg you all do the same. Perhaps we may be of the right mind to meet after this.” With that he left and did as he said.
This was a time of preparation in Kidron but few understood how much that was true. The weather was already beginning to cool and the farmers were all but finished harvesting crops. There were a few cool weather plantings to begin but mostly their attentions were turned to storage and taking account to ensure all was ready for the coming season. The merchants were ensuring stock supplies as probably the last ship for a while was in and offering good trades.
The Commandant was extremely focused on preparations of another kind. He had spent more time lately with his old friend Henry than he had in many seasons. Actually there were five men who met perhaps not in secret but certainly in a manner so as not to draw attention to it. They were men who remembered the old ways. Watch Commander George was one. He was the oldest in age but not in his heart. Captain Markus was one of the quietest men in all of Kidron and was thought of as second to the Commandant since the passing of Cap Tale. Captain Wilson was the other. He was the youngest in the group but though separated in age and rank these men only looked upon each other as equal brethren when they met. Most of the town was unaware or had forgotten but they were all veterans of the last war. Captain Wilson though the youngest in this group. He was the last man to be knighted in the old way although that is no longer recognized by the elders.
One Cleric who was banned from public teaching, three knights no longer recognized as such, and a man no longer able to actively serve on patrols. Perhaps it seemed an unlikely group to accomplish much of anything but they met. They discussed and planned. They often kept fasts. They prayed what they were doing was enough. “Brother Henry, how do your new pupils look to you?” The Commandant asked in a hushed tone as the four men enjoyed a mid day meal in the market place.
“William has done well at scouting them. There were a few who had already sought me out. I don’t know yet if there are any knights among them but they are receiving the teaching graciously and training in earnest.” Henry was pleased to report this but his tone was not a happy one until he remembered the next part. “I nearly forgot. One of them apparently rescued one of the prophets from a wild animal.” Henry was openly laughing now and had to restrain himself to finish, much less not to draw attention. “The prophet was out by the town’s edge when he was frightened by an animal’s movement. Apparently he let out quite a yell and one of my disciples leapt out of a nearby tree and dispatched the beast just in time. You see he had been meditating and practicing and hid when he heard the prophet coming in the tree so he heard and saw the whole affair.” Henry slapped the table laughing while his companions looked at each other wondering what their friend was laughing about.
“Was it a bear? A deer? Why is this funny? Was the prophet injured? Why was it not reported?” Watch Commander George was sure he should have heard of such.
Henry composed himself long enough to finish, “It was a…rabbit!” Now they all laughed heartily together. “The prophet was embarrassed so much he didn’t even ask him what he had been doing in the tree. They laughed together for a moment but as they were becoming calm again the Commandant spoke.
“I have not heard you use that term in a long time, friend.”
“Disciple? Let’s not kid ourselves here. You were once the same as well as Wilson. Were I a bit older I likely would have discipled all three of you. I am not pretending this is anything other than what it is. We have been too silent for too long. Let them ignore the dangers if they must. We are the ones called to raise the defense and if war be on us again then we need proper knights leading the men. I take the proper precautions and keep silent when I must but my teaching is as strong as it ever was. They need it. We need it.” Henry was no longer laughing. The other men were actually comforted by these words and even more by the tone. There was silence for a moment.
Sargeant Wilson broke the silence, “I don’t know if your good wife told you but one of the prophets came by in the market while you were away teaching and asked her why you had not been at the assemblies of late. I was nearby and over heard the exchange.”
“Yes, she told me but I can’t recall what her words in response were.”
“If I recall she said that she didn’t think they wanted you there anyway but you had duties that kept you away.” Sargeant Wilson was all too happy to share this.
“We had all be on our toes brethren, here comes one now.” Captain Markus said as he smiled and greeted the man in a prophet’s attire. “Greetings brother.”
“Brother Commandant, it has been noted that fewer of the defenders have been attending the assembly. I trust you have no part in this?” His tone was condescending.
“On the contrary brother, but it is at my direction.” The Commandant never looked in his direction to see the prophet’s shock but instead took a long drink.
“I don’t, I mean, I am sure I” The Commandant saved the prophet from his stammering by interrupting but looking directly in his eyes this time which was an apparently all too intense experience that made him shrink back from his response.
“I was authorized to do all I could even to doubling the patrols and training time and so I have done according to my prerogative and the elders’ blessing. If you have an issue with that please see the elders.” When he finished he turned back to his companions at the table and left the prophet to process this and then walk away in silence.
Watch Commander George smiled as he said, “You won’t get away with that forever my friend, but I shall enjoy it as long as you do.”
“Brother George I pray I won’t have to. I must be back now. Brother Henry keep us informed and please continue the good work. I hope you find not only new knights but clerics as well. We need the old ways back. Please bless us before we depart.”
Henry nodded at his friend and they all bowed heads and joined hands as Henry prayed, “My King, Our Lord we acknowledge your majesty today. We thank you for grace in life and trust for grace in death. Give us now what we most need and keep our thoughts centered upon your ways. Teach us and help us to show others. We are forever yours.”
“Brethren Elders,” the Commandant began his address, “perhaps the time has come to spread the word. At your request we have not spoken of these things in many seasons. A faithful few of us remember what the last war was like. Many of you are spared those memories.” As he said this he tried to hide some of what he was feeling. He was addressing the town elders and their prophets. That’s how he viewed them. They were all selected and kept now by the will of the elders. They were well intentioned mostly, but few were true believers. They mostly thought he was full of the ‘old superstition’. They did not care to hear about the old ways. They needed to. They would today.
“Our defenders have now confirmed by encounter the return of the Watchers. They have apparently destroyed one of our sister towns already and slain Captain Tale not too far from here. It is time we raised the alarm and told the people what is going on. It is time we call for prayer and a fast, it…” he was unable to finish as he was cut off by the senior prophet.
“Come now dear Commandant, when is the last time we gave the guard instruction on how to patrol? Leave matters of a spiritual nature to us won’t you?” The tone was unmistakeable. He loathed the commandant but kept a political tone in public. This was almost not so. “…besides the Elders decided in their wisdom some time ago not to cause a panic over empty fears. We only have preliminary reports don’t we? Do we REALLY know what happened all the way out there? Perhaps some of your defenders got a bit rowdy between watches…” Even as he spoke some of the elders and prophets began to smile as they liked to see believers in the old superstition put in their place, but the look on the Commandant’s face only became more intense.
He hid nothing now. “I will not stand for baseless accusations on some of our town’s finest men, prophet or no. You will not speak that way of them again sir lest you desire stand before the men you profane yourself and challenge their honor in person.” He now was leaning over the table around which they sat with his eyes fixed intently on the man now sheepishly retreating into his seat. “If I may be permitted to continue brethren I have spoken with William myself and there is no man among us on whom I can more readily and always rely. His honor, unlike some, is unquestioned.” That was intentional and may have started a heated exchange except the weight of his message cut through all in the room and for a few moments everyone was silent and listening. “We have far too long neglected teaching from the book of the Knights. I care not if the prophets think them appropriate for the assemblies they used to be used to train the proper Knights of Kidron. Now we not only have few that have studied it we have but one man remaining who could still teach it. Brothers our homes and lives are at stake here. We must prepare as best we can and pray we have not waited too long.” At this he took his seat and waited to see what would be the outcome.
There was much discussion now. Some of it intelligible but most was in whispered tones. This continued until one of the Elders spoke aloud catching everyone’s attention. “I assume you refer to the man who was banned from teaching the Oracles for his heresy and now you want us to authorize him to train and teach our men in tactics that have not been used or practiced in a generation from a book I don’t even think still exists? This is your strategy for our defense from a mysterious enemy who has yet to be proven?” After this no one spoke but all sat and waited for an answer.
“Brothers” he spoke slowly as to remain in control, “the book is among us.”
“If you know where they are please disclose the location that the prophets may attain this teaching,” one of the elders interrupted.
“Brethren, it is no secret the current prophets have sought out and destroyed every copy they could. I openly invite them to attempt to claim the remaining copies from any man they allege to hold them.” This was both a threat and an honest invitation. It was also intentionally spoken. “You of course know my relation to Brother Henry; I stood by him in those proceedings as I do now. I stand as a servant of this eldership and this town and will act accordingly but let me say this. The wisdom of my king is far above that of any man including those in this room. His choosing and teaching I trust in. Any that contradict I do not. This is our hope. He is our hope. Follow His teachings and save your children, brothers. That is my recommendation.”
Again there was a bit of silence. Then the whispering began and continued for several minutes. The commandant left the table to pour a glass of water and drank it all the while in prayer. His back was to the table and the brethren when he heard the voice. It didn’t matter whose it was. “Brother Commandant. We do not share your beliefs in full. We appreciate your wisdom and concern. This council of elders charges you to spread no panic amongst our people. Stiffen the patrols if you like, double the training hours at your leisure but we will hear no more of this heresy and will authorize no training methods or materials other than is in place. We have lived in peace for some time and trust in your men to keep us safe against any threat.”
Without facing them again he drew a deep breath and then spoke before leaving the room, “Brethren your trust is misplaced if it is in men. I will do my best. I trust you will not make it illegal to pray and fast for those of us who believe what you read in the assemblies.” With this he walked out tossing behind him a copy of the last week’s reading. It landed between them on the table. None of them touched it. They all knew what it said. The middle portion included this, “…that there is only one name men must trust in for their protection and that of the Elevated King…”
~
“William now is the time we must be wise and must prepare the trusted among us.” William’s father had been sharing with him things he never had before. He had been the cleric that served with the Commandant in the last war, also about their recent meetings to discuss their fears.
“Father, I can hardly believe this is true but I know it to be. If the elders do prohibit this how can the Commandant raise new Knights?” All that his father was saying to him was being confirmed inside William but he had many questions. William had been taught of his father in all the old ways. In secret he had learned of all the Oracles including the Book of the Knights. Father was the only remaining teacher of these things and William was his principal student.
“William you know only a true believer can learn these things. I have taken a few pupils recently in private but I must know if there are others among you. I will teach them as I have taught you. You must be my aid. Seek them out who appear ready and challenge all who are training. You must sharpen each other’s skills and maintain devotions outside the view of the prophets and elders. Son, this is what you have been prepared for. This is what we are called to. I am a cleric but you are a proper knight.
“Father, there are no proper knights, you know this.”
“Son, there have always been and always will be. I see the marks in you. You will soon see. For now you know how I have trained you and now see the importance. Gather only the truly faithful; those who are gifted and willing. I will take them and teach them and we will both pray we have enough time. Speak only to me of these things. We must be wise.”
~
Stephen had pondered many things in his mind today and had gone to spend time alone in the woods. He sat on a stone on the edge of a small spring to meditate. Ever since speaking with Henry’s father he had hardly slept. Even now his heart raced and his mind as well. It was as if he heard a voice asking if he believed the oracles or not. Stephen for some reason answered aloud without thinking of it “Of course I believe them. I may not understand them but yes I believe them.”
Again thoughts came as if a voice that seemed to say, “Then believe them now.”
His eyes had been closed but now he opened them. Now he was aware that he answered audibly but also knew it was not the sound of his voice that mattered, “I do believe. I am yours and I now see how you are mine, truly mine. Majesty, I believe you. Help me believe in you more.” This was his time, his invitation. He had responded. Things began to make sense now and he was filled with a warmth and a purpose he had never experienced before.
Henry came along just in time to hear the last part. He knew what was going on. He wanted to be happy for his friend. He knew it was real. Instead he hid behind a tree and sank to the ground looking up and wondering why? Why not Henry? An anger arose in him and he decided something too. He would devote himself to the physical training. He would become the strongest and fastest. He would learn to beat Stephen and William. He needed no king.
William was alone for a moment. Ever since dispatching the beast that had killed his mentor, his friend, he had been tending to matters with the men. He had spoken briefly to the young woman whom they rescued; whom Cap Tale rescued. She was shaken, but not seriously injured. She was being cared for by his medic and hopefully going to get some rest she had needed for many days. He had sent out scouting patrols to see if they could find a trail of the others who had escaped. He had sent one man ahead to return to Kidron with an initial report and make a counsel meeting upon their return. He had seen to a number of things yet had one more obligation to attend to. This would be the toughest on William.
Cap Tale was a man of the old code. He knew and took very seriously the origins of what had become the Kidron way of life. They stretched back many generations. While most folk had forgotten, most everything they did or the way they did it had at its root some meaning. Cap Tale lived his life on no man’s term except for His King! He was one of the remnant who lived his life this way. He still held to the old ways. A part of this now obligated William to do one last favor for his fallen friend. The discussion had come some time ago when William was first promoted to Leftenant and placed under Tale. There were certain things William was never to question and some things to which he was sworn to uphold. Theirs was a brotherhood of warriors, a kindred that escapes the understanding of some. William understood perfectly, however.
When William had given the orders to gather the wood some of the men, especially the younger ones, didn’t realize what it was for. It was the old custom for warriors who died in battle to have their bodies consumed by the flame. It was William’s duty, and in a way that some may never understand his honor to oversee this final act for his fallen brother. The platform had been constructed as prescribed. The fuel for the flame was gathered and plenteous. One of William’s men came to him as he prayed alone. He waited until William looked up and told him all things were ready.
William insisted on carrying the lifeless body dressed in his battle gear himself to its final placement. He then took the torch and began to light the pile beneath. All the men who were not actively patrolling were gathered around in the clearing. William addressed the men, “Brothers, I light the flame tonight which will consume but a shell. It shall consume all that is before us and then be gone forever. There was another fire lit years ago which purified the essence of our fallen brother. This flame which burned in his heart consumed only the imperfections. That flame that brought life instead of death has not been nor will it ever be extinguished. My mentor tonight rests easy being given a true warrior’s reception in the banquet hall of his king. His honor is not in lives taken, nor in battles won, but rather in a life lived before us displaying his service to Kidron and to the Elevated King. Tonight a knight no longer needs his sword. Tonight we remember well his valiant example. We remember his final words.”
As William unsheathed his sword and raised it the men shouted together, “For Kidron, and for my King!” At this William knelt and prayed once again. He prayed not for his friend, but that the memory of this life which ended abruptly would guide others to follow. He prayed for strength and wisdom. He prayed for his men and for Kidron.
~
William returned ahead of the rest with the rescued woman and another of William’s men who was assigned as her personal guard for the return trip. William was very focused on the needs before him. He was anxious to get back and report their encounters himself and to share what he had learned from this woman. He was also anxious to speak to father. The whole time he could not shake the feeling he was being watched. This un-nerved William. He was on high alert. He was sensing as much as watching and listening. He remained in steady prayer.
As soon as the small party returned the Commandant convened a meeting with the leadership of the Defenders for William to address. There was to be a counsel meeting later with the town elders but this was necessary first.
William had met everyone in the room, but had never addressed them in such a formal setting. They were all intently listening as William recalled the events and the encounter that cost the life of Cap Tale. They were amazed, however when they heard the information William gathered from the young woman whom they rescued from certain death.
She was a resident from a town to the east of Kidron across the river. Although it was a hard two day ride, Jessup was in fact the closest town to Kidron. Jessup had encountered the Watchers a season before. It began slowly with the occasional sighting on the outskirts of town. They had heard rumors of some invading force from traders who passed through but never imagined anyone would bother Jessup as they never bothered anyone else. When the raids began the people of Jessup didn’t know what to do. They were a smaller town than Kidron and did not have a force as well trained as the Defenders. It was only a matter of time. Much of the town had been destroyed. Few of the town folk survived. She hid until night fall and ran. In fact it appeared that it was chance she encountered the Watchers in the woods. She had been running for days and was hopelessly lost when she came upon what appeared to be by William’s estimation a scouting party keeping an eye on Kidron.
“It sounds as if they are making their way in our general direction”, one said.
“Yes, it appears so.” William responded, “and I cannot stress the strength and ability of them enough. I have never met their rival in combat. Had I not been taught in the old ways I am certain I would have perished as well. The King was gracious to spare me. My strength was not enough.”
“Brethren, we have long discussed but have failed to prepare for this day.” The commandant concluded, “Those of us who recall the old ways are few and this is a time when we need to rely upon them.”
“We have drafted a plan for heightened security on the watches. We must ensure the town folk understand the risk and take precautions.” Another of the men said.
“Yes, that is good captain, but it won’t be enough I fear.” The commandant did not hide the concern in his voice among these men. Everyone was on edge. No one felt easy. The discussion continued and the details of the new plan were drawn out.
“William, go home and see your family. I and some of the others will meet with the elders. I have been speaking with your father and he knows what I have in mind. These are grave times William, do pray.” William had never seen this side of the commandant before. He always felt as if he could trust him, but had no doubt now. There was a connection from within that William sensed and it made him glad.
The Commandant was not easy in his mind. He sent his officers on and sat for a time alone. He sat and he prayed. It had been a long time since he had prayed so much. Lately when he looked at the night sky he was compelled to think of the old ways. He remembered the words of his father. He remembered his father’s father. He even sought out an old friend. William of course had no idea the bond between father and the commandant. Many memories flooded back now. The impending sense of urgency came across him again. All those who knew the old ways seemed drawn lately to each other. One by one they would meet and share the great concern that they felt. Only now with William’s report did the fears begin to have a ‘face’.
“I know what I must do. Please help me to do what I must.” He breathed a soft prayer before leaving for the meeting with the town elders.
~
Mother met William outside their home and held him tightly. They had caught some mention of his trials but could not know the extent of course. Father stood nearby however with a look that seemed to say he knew even without hearing the details. William felt he had much so discuss with father. Little did he know how much father had to speak with him about. Neither could know in this moment how pivotal their actions and choices would be. While they knew for now was that William was home and while it was a great comfort, no one was quite at ease. William was so glad to be home but even at this joyous moment of reunion, of hugs and smiles, of tears and knowing looks, he could not shake the feeling that he was presently being watched. On some level in quiet moments this angered William. They, whoever or whatever they were, were now threatening his home.
William didn’t mind the deep patrols. Actually he mostly enjoyed them. He was quite at home in the woods far away from town. He was an avid hunter and loved the quiet found only in the deep woods. This was a rare patrol because William’s Captain was on patrol with them this rotation. As a Captain in the Local Defense, there were many responsibilities. There are four Captains in the Local Defense and one Reserve Captain. Each one had roughly a hundred men to their charge. The patrols were scheduled such that one was always out with the deep patrols. Most folk had forgotten this particular Captain’s real name. They referred to him as Cap’ Tale. They did this because he was gifted at the telling of stories and loved to do so. It didn’t much matter if they were true or imaginary and half the time folk weren’t sure which category the story they were hearing fell into if not both. He was a good man and a good defender. Even though he was most known for his tales, he was an adept leader of men. His men greatly respected him even if they didn’t use his given name.
As William came into camp for the evening Cap’ Tale was at the fire living up to his namesake. William refilled his drinking bladder with water from the stream and came near the fire to listen. There were about five men all mesmerized by the current edition. William listened closely to see if this was one he had heard before. It was. Actually he knew this one well. It was a fanciful flight about a bear the size of ten men. Depending on the audience, it was either Cap’ Tale by himself, or lately William as his alpha on the trail of this behemoth. There was some measure of truth to this tale, but not even William was sure how much anymore. William was always amused when he got to the part where the beast looked his superior straight in the eye and seemed to be intimidated by the Captain’s icy returning stare. Tale was so good at telling it, though that his audiences seemed to believe every word regardless how ridiculous.
As William took his seat, he was pulled into the act, “How far was it we fell down that cliff Leftenant? Was it as high as the Great Hall roof, do you think?
William tried to keep a straight face and replied immediately, “Sir, with all the fur flying it was so hard to tell, but I thought we fell half the morning.” Most times this outlandish response would have incited raucous laughter, but William’s friend and superior just kept rolling with it.
“Ah yes, the fur was a-flying gentlemen! The Leftenant and I both thought we were gone for sure! We fell forever it seemed…” Eventually he recounted for the men how the two of them against all odds and with reduced weaponry felled the bear with their field knives. It was quite a ride and the audience erupted in applause as the captain took a bow. William just smiled.
“How is it tonight my friend?” Tale asked as he took a seat beside William. William had always liked him, but since he was promoted they had become quite close. Cap Tale demanded respect and obedience from his junior officers, (and got it) but also believed in befriending them closely.
“Well sir, well.” William said in an easy tone. “I saw some nice tracks we may pursue on the morrow. Perhaps you should go out with us. Watch Commander George indicated this was a big one and judging by the tracks he is right. It might be best to have more than one bow I can count on.”
“Capital idea Leftenant! I have not seen any big game in some time. On another note, we should discuss setting up some ambushes to test your men while on patrol. It is good to keep them on their toes. There have been a number of thieves spotted in recent patrols even though there have been no encounters.” Tale said.
“I was thinking just the same thing and brought some items to make disguises for us sir.” William, perhaps even more than the other men, adored and respected the Captain and did his best to emulate his methods. It pleased him that he had reached the same conclusion here.
“Well done Leftenant, well done! We shall put together the plan while on the trail of yet another behemoth on the morrow! In the mean time I shall go entertain the men who drew post watch before I retire for the evening. Rest well son, for tomorrow we hunt!” In many ways William regarded Cap’ Tale as a father so this praise made William’s easy mood even better. He finished drinking his water and went to his bunk roll and slept deep and well in the cool woods.
~
While the rest of the men kept to their patrolling duties, Cap’ Tale and William went on the hunt for a large bear whose tracks William had found the day before. They were on the last week of their patrol and this would be a nice prize to return with. A bear of this size would well supply a gathering with good meat. The two had of course discussed official business and planned on setting some traps for training purposes later on. They felt they were getting close and were getting excited when they heard a howling cry that they could not identify.
“That’s not bear.” Cap’ Tale said quietly to William. They both looked around waiting for another. They weren’t even sure if a single creature could have made that noise or if it was a chorus. William had been feeling as if he were being watched since before he left town, but the sensation was much sharper and intense now. They heard the signaling whistle from the patrols. They had all ceased movement and were waiting. The whistle signal they sent out was a method of knowing where their comrades were without calling out vocally. William signaled for the Captain and himself. Their detail was all in whistle range, but well spread out.
All the defenders were crouched motionless, barely breathing. They looked about; they strained their ears and sniffed the air to get any sign of impending danger. Truth was the last couple patrols had reported hearing such a noise, but could never find the source. In the stillness it seemed as if the woods themselves were listening with them, aiding them. Out of the silence the cry came again. It was a growling howl. It was definitely more than one voice. William detected maybe three ‘somethings’ joining in a dissonant, chilling chord. It was closer to William and Cap’ Tale than any of the others. They quickly met eyes and were in motion in an instant. The two moved swiftly and silent through a small ravine and scaled an incline to look over its crest. When they dropped to a prone position and crawled to the edge they saw the source of the cries. Explaining what they saw…that’s a different story.
The bear had been slaughtered and drug back to a rough camp site, but at first it seemed by odd creatures. There were three beings seemingly standing upright, but covered in fur with an odd assortment of tusks or horns jutting out from their heads and shoulders. It took a moment for either of them to realize these were men, or at least mostly. They moved and sounded more like beasts of some sort, but they were men. They had tools and swords. They were covered in roughly cut animal hides and had incorporated bones and horns and perhaps teeth in their coverings. Even their heads had a covering made of bone and hide. When they caught a glimpse of these wild men they saw their faces were painted. Their skins appeared dark and some of them disfigured some how. They were pierced in different places with pieces of bone protruding from their jaws, nose, even one of their brows. Even now they barely looked like men. Then it struck William how large these wild men were. Judging from the bear carcass they stood over cutting and ripping it, they were much larger than the men of Kidron. Father’s description came back to mind. Grandfather must’ve seen the runts if they were only a head taller…
“Are these the creatures of your father’s description William?” Cap’ Tale spoke softly but never took his eyes off the sight below.
“I would have to say yes.” William replied. “I had hoped he was wrong, sir. They are the Woods Watchers” William had taken Tale aside at the beginning of the patrol and shared with him his father’s warning. His superior had taken it seriously which pleased William because he wasn’t sure if anyone would believe the story. Just then something caught the attention of the three watchers. They all looked to one side of their encampment. There, at the base of a tree was an apparent prisoner. A young woman was bound tightly with ropes and had fallen over. She was struggling to right herself which proved difficult with no free arms. The three grunted and spoke in some foreign tongue with a harsh tone at her. Whatever was said seemed to amuse them as they chuckled and returned to their kill.
“Sound the whistle and gather the men here Leftenant. I am going to try and come around to free the lass without their knowing. I may need you and the team to come down in force and noise if I cannot slip in undetected. Make no mistake William, I do not desire for either of us to find out the deadly capabilities of these…creatures, but will not allow her to suffer at their hands if I can prevent it.” Tale was focused and already on the move before William could sound the whistle code to gather the men. He wanted to protest the plan, but knew it was pointless. He would never speak against the Captain in front of the men, but in private was at liberty voice his opinion understanding that he must submit at the end of the discussion.
While being much older than William, Tale was in excellent condition and was able to move quickly without making a sound around the camp and come up behind the woman while the men began to arrive at William’s location. The three below had not been distracted yet. William allowed the men to have a peak and quickly told them the situation. The men were as ready as they could be and certainly purposed to protect the Captain and this mysterious young woman.
Tale moved intentionally slow the closer he got. His eyes were on the three who appeared to be nearing the end of their feast. They were larger than they had appeared from above he thought. The woman was still on her side and as such caught sight of him. She froze with a look of shear panic in her eyes. Tale moved closer and whispered to her. “Ma’am, I am here to help you, but I need you to not move.” She nodded nervously in reply. He instructed her to move quickly if the three were aroused and told here where to run to meet up with the defenders. He slowly cut the ropes that held her. She whimpered as the tight ropes were suddenly loosed. Tale was pulling her behind him to begin their retreat when one of the three happened to look over at them. “Run!” Tale did not yell, but got his point across and she took off like a shot. One of the three grunted something at other two who took off after their escaping prisoner while he headed for her liberator.
Tale whispered a prayer as his blade sprung to action. William quickly ordered the men to intercept the woman’s path and save her from her two assailants. The largest of the three was now approaching the Captain. William thought he’d better stay in case. The watcher’s sword was short and broad. William estimated it to be as wide as his thigh and probably able to sever such as well. In a moment William saw his mentor locked in mortal combat with the watcher and not dispatching him quickly. William was making his way down to the fight when he heard the other two howling again. He hoped that wasn’t bad news for his team, but seeing the way this one fought it would be believable.
Just as William reached the bottom of the hill time seemed to slow. His mentor had lost his weapon and was knocked to the ground. As he caught his fall on his hands, instinctually he spun to face upward. Unfortunately it was just in time to see the blow that would prove fatal. The creature was too fast and too strong. This would be the end of Cap’ Tale.
Unbeknownst to William, the two who were after the young woman heard a howling from some other of their kindred and broke pursuit. The team saw them suddenly change direction and disappear into the wood. Five had taken the newly freed prisoner to their base camp. Five had returned to the hilltop just in time to see their leader fall. William unsheathed his blade and ran toward the watcher. His foe heard him coming before and was well aware how much time he had to spin about and attack.
William was the best swordsman in Kidron. There was no disputing this. William had never struggled so in a sword fight. This creature’s strength was amazing. With every clash of blades, William’s bones jarred from the force of the blows. He had never seen speed like this. William who was always ahead of his opponents and waiting was just barely in time to save his life. Of course, William was not comparing things in this moment. That would come later. Right now he could only think that this vile thing had dispatched his Captain, a just man. He realized shortly that he was getting nowhere but in trouble.
In a brief pause of action, William lept backward. For a split second his eyes closed. The defenders quickly descending the hill saw William raise his sword and heard him shout, “For My King!” They all thought he was referring in some way to Cap’ Tale, but he wasn’t. The next thing they saw would become the subject of legend in later years. William rushed in again but with speed and fluidity of motion they had never seen. It was difficult to keep up. The creature accelerated his movements to match, but William continued spinning, jumping, thrusting, ducking and the advantage seemed to be shifting. The technique William was using was much more advanced than anything they had been taught in their training the defenders thought.
As he moved, almost quicker than his men could track, William began to get inside the watcher’s defenses. Suddenly small wounds began appearing on the creature’s body. His animal hides were now smeared with blood. William was not immune as he did receive some close scrapes that brought a red spray as well, but not in comparison to those he was delivering. Now it was clear William was in command of this battle and the defenders stood in awe having never seen such a display. In a moment more the broad blade of the watcher was loosed from the creature’s grasp and went flying. Then all at once William spun out of the path of the creature’s lunge and thrust his blade into the back of the watcher. As William retrieved his blade the creature turned around breathing laboriously. The two met eyes and all that William saw was living hate and contempt. He could not understand the cursing he got as the creature spat, but he was certain if words were venom he too would perish. The watcher fell back lifeless. William returned his sword to its sheath.
William ran to his fallen friend. He pulled Cap’ Tale in his lap as his friend and mentor slowly breathed his last breaths. He whispered to William, “For Kidron, and for my King…”
