Book 1 - Chapter 7 - New Recruit

May 1, 1000

   I shift in my seat. Outside things are eerily silent. It is mid-day, the time for naps, or rest at the least. Nobody stirs except me and Los. 

"Glad you came,"

Los says. A smile makes his face appear unnatural. I wish he stuck with the serious expression.

 

 "What is happening? The villagers are becoming uneasy."
His smile wanes.
"You don't know yet?"
He asks.
I shake my head. What is going on?
"Your family.... they have fled. Not a single soul knows where to."
My eyes close. Gone? They have really left, as they said they would.
"Even Helm?"
I ask.

 "Yes, even Helm. I didn't ask you here to ramble on about things we can't change."
 My chest heaves for but a moment. Down emotions! I do not care a whit if my family has fled. Is that not why I left? Of course!
"We caught a spy from the enemy last night. I'm going to bump up our scouting teams. Losing is guaranteed  if spies begin pouring in and nobody notices it!"

 Los gestures with his hands.
"The enemy is on the move. Their camping in the passes right now. One scout reported that they're packing up and moving along the pass, slow, but sure. All who can bear arms is training. Thanks to you there are enough weapons."
 I smile. Pleasure welled up in my chest at the thought. Three days ago I had shared the information of where the royal arms are held. In one night our rebels had cleared the entire place out.
"Now, I need you to be ready to rule."
Gulp. Rule? No, I wish to be only a figurehead! I have not a single ounce of training!
"I'm putting you into a scouting team. You're to watch how the captain commands and learn from her. In time I hope you'll take over the team."

 "Scouting?"
I mumble.
He nods.
"Yes, it is where we need the most people. At the moment I have no spares other than you. It's dangerous- I won't lie to you. I'm willing to risk it though."
He is willing? What if I am unwilling? I do not wish to die so that he can fill out some scouting team!
"I do not want to die!"
I say.
Is he trying to kill me?

 "I didn't say you would die. I've told the captain who you are. She'll go the extra mile to make it as safe as possible. Truth is- nowhere is safe right now. This is war, if you haven't noticed."
How could I not notice? If there was no war I would safe at home with my family.
"I'll go,"
I whisper.
He nods.
"You've been training hard ever since you came here. I doubt you'll get killed unless you lose your head while fighting. Make sure to stay clear headed!"
I nod.

 "I think I'll be fine,"
I lie.
He chuckles.
"A dose of fear can be good. It keeps you from taking risks that aren't needed. I'll contact the captain. You leave at dawn."

 Los stares at me a moment. Outside steps return. Midday is over. The world is alive again.
"It is a deal, miss! You're fresh bread will be a welcome sight to my family,"
he says.
Below footsteps.
It is time to fake what our meeting is about.
Spies are everywhere, so Los says.
"I thank you for your business. If that is all, I should be going."
 He nods. We both stand.
I give him a tiny smile.
Courage. Strength. Honor... and clear head. That is what is needed by me.
Tanri, I know you heard all we have said. Please, help me. I need strength and above all courage. Help me to lead this country into peace times. Help me learn how to lead. For right now, I am hopeless. Yet I know that with You all things are possible.
I end my prayer and head down the dark stairs.
Tomorrow I leave to start on the war path.