KOK Chapter 7 - Going Home

Chapter 7 – Going Home

              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.