Brothers in arms 1
“Jim! My friend, how the hell are ya” I yell out to my Childhood friend who I haven't seen since the king's coronation. I was surprised to see him here in this castle.
As I spoke, I saw his face lit up with surprise and happiness
“Alexander!” he runs up and hugs me tightly, “who would've thought we would be stationed here in the same castle ay old friend, by the way have you heard any news from Peter?”
Letting go of our brotherly embrace I let a second go by before I answer about Peter's whereabouts.
“He sent me a letter some weeks ago, they have been attacked from rebels down south”
I pause for a second so he can take in what I said
“I've been told by our captain we are to head down there tomorrow at dawn so we can help out, which must also explain why you guys came here from the capital.”
I say to Jim, but also wait a bit and ask him something else that's been on my mind lately
“Speaking of the capital, how's my family doing Jim? I hope they are well.”
My mother and siblings live in the capital as farm workers, my father died from an illness not long ago so I had to take up the reins, which is also why I decided to join the army, the pay is a lot better than any other work in the capital. Anything for my mother and siblings.
“They are good Alex, your mother is doing well and working hard. As for your brothers, George is reckless and seems to be eager to join in on this war, and Ramsey he's such a calm kid, helping out your mother and an eager learner.”
I was relieved to hear they are well. My mother Mary has been very tired mentally ever since my father died, she's never seemed to recover from his death. My brother George is only 13, 3 years younger than me but has always been an ambitious boy, he's been training with a wooden sword for as long as I can remember, I should keep an eye out for him. As for Ramsey, he's always been a calm boy, only being 12 he's never been a hothead nor seems to be ambitious like George. He always has his head down on books, I have a good feeling for him.
This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.
“Well Jim, thank you for keeping out for them. It must have been a long march here. Why not go get some rest, captain Tristan doesn't have anything to say tonight let's go.”
Leading Jim throughout castle Len, we passed by soldiers eating and soldiers hugging it out as well, seems other reunions were going on. The castle was not large, but it did its job. Enough rooms to fit those who have been here and those who have just arrived.
“Alexander, your division hasn't been in any battles yet, have you?” said Jim walking next to me
“Nope, it's been mostly quiet here, it seems they had us stationed here as backup in case something big went down.”
As we arrived at the barracks, I signaled Jim to take the top bunk and he does, climbing up top and going right into a slumber.
Taking this moment to lay in the bottom bunk and have a second to wonder, when was the last time me, Jim, and peter have been together? I met them young and since then we have been inseparable, Jims always been the one to get into fights, even started one with a highborn when we were kids. Peter has always been logical and more knowing of things, I trust them with my life no matter what happens.
looking around the barracks it was fairly clean but the smell of sweat was in the air so that was a downside. All these men are of lowborn, peasants I guess you can say, there's not many highborn men here, but those who are here speak about glory in combat and trying to make a name for themselves, yet with their power and influence they manage to station themselves out here where combat hasn't been seen since the war started. For sure on purpose, what a bunch of craven lords.
Their barracks are in another room, of course, why would highborn want to be sleeping with low ones as us. In the end that will not matter, in battle they'll be seeking our aid that's for sure.
This war is one that's been causing mayhem all over, since the old king died one year ago and his first-born son, king Adam took the throne, his brother Prince Charles spent the last year gathering up houses to join his cause to usurp the throne. In truth he may have been gathering up houses long before his father's death.
Anyways, that's why down south is where most of the fighting is at, the houses who have joined his cause are located there. The noble houses themselves are not that high in the table, the prince has maybe two or three houses that are the main benefactors and the others not so much. From what I've heard they are pretty ruthless on the battlefield. Listening to my comrades here speak about them and the rumors that have spread sometimes makes my skin crawl.
I've been here for a year now; the rebels have been sending small men in arms to raid and pillage down south so they have us stationed as backup. Which now after a year they need us, perhaps they have stopped with the small groups and have been attacking head on.
I can only hope we end this war fast so I can head back to my family.
Feeling the weight of my eyes, I couldn't get up from this comfy bed anymore. drifting off from my tiredness, I let myself go to sleep.
Early in the morning I saw wagons being prepared, people filling them with resources for our march down south.
I gathered my stuff which was practically nothing. I only carried a small baggie with rations in case I got hungry. I wore a plain tunic shirt that was tucked in my pants. A chest plate and leather arm sheaths and a pair of old worn black boots, nothing crazy.
My long black hair was past my shoulders now and made it hard to see around my surroundings. So, grabbing all my hair in one, I tied it up behind my head, only loosely as I didn't like it when it was tied…. well tight.
“Planning on cutting your hair soon Alex? You look like a female from the back, if it wasn't for your broad shoulders that is."Jim says with a playful tone as he himself is getting ready.
I threw a jab at his arm but soon after the loud voice of captain Tristan was booming, yelling for us to get into formation.