Chapter 2

Thousands of soldiers poured through the gates of Kenosia. Every street and alley flooded with the sound and stench of war. But there would be no fighting here. All was well, these were the King’s men. However, the King himself was not here. It was a smaller division of the army, why they were here was as of yet a mystery. There had been much speculation and even whispers that it was led by Lord Pyragos himself, favored cousin to the King.

Arios peered through his window as the unending line of men streamed by. It would be so easy. Every man wore the golden bronze plate cloaked by the deep blue and pure ivory of House Leukades. Each man adorned with spear and shield. They dressed as one, marched as one and became one. To any observing it would be near impossible to peak a face from the crowd.

“I could do it…” He turned to Ilaria. “You know I could.”

“Ari, please. Speak no more of this today. Let us eat.” She grabbed his hand pulling him away from the window.

“This may be my only chance! They will surely be looking for recruits and if I slip away when they leave the city it will be too late for Father to stop me!”

Ilaria shook her head thoughtfully. “They will know you are to young Ari.” She sat him down at the wooden table taking the seat beside him. “Heed Father’s words and follow his commands. In time you will gain his trust and he will let you choose gladly.”

This made his blood boil. Ilaria was supposed to be on his side. She had helped him plan for all of this and only now did she insist that he listen to Father. What was she thinking?

“Ilaria, I will not let this chance slip through my grasp and,” — He smashed his fist into the table sending goblets clattering to the stone floor — “I will wait for no one’s blessing least of all Father’s!”

Arios starred at Ilaria. She had shrunk away from him and he felt a pang of guilt cut through his stomach. He had not meant to scare her. Hurriedly he turned away to retrieve the goblets and to hide the regret on his face. Placing them back on the table he returned his gaze to see her smiling.

“You have made me cross Ari. Now you will have none of my dinner. You will have to meet father on an empty stomach. He has called for you by the way. You are meant to meet him at the Council House.”

She continued to smile but her eyes were daggers cutting through him. He thought it better to leave soon rather than risk upsetting her further.

“I’ll take my leave then. We will talk later?” He looked her in the eyes, she continued to smile but did not respond. Unnerved, he turned and made his way out the house.

Stepping out into the street, his stomach growled hungrily. He would need to make amends with Ilaria or he would go to bed still starving. She was often too kind to him but could turn quickly when crossed. Perhaps he could something for her in the Highward. A trinket or some such gift.

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

The street was still brimming with soldiers, a rushing current barring his way. Was there no end to this deluge? He needed to cross but could see no way through the lines.

“I need to cross! Excuse me sirs, I must get through!”

The soldiers paid him no mind and continued to walk laughing and singing as they did.

Arios approached them but none paused to allow his passage. The lines went as far as his eyes could see. There was no end in either direction, no easy crossing. He would need to press his way through. Stepping back, he observed his dilemma. An ocean of deep blue cloaks, vast and impenetrable. The flashes of bronze plate like sunlight on a golden shore. Summoning all of his strength he pushed forward to break the tide.

As he took his first step, he heard a loud crack and suddenly a searing pain in his temple. Stumbling backwards he looked up eyes watering, vision blurred. One of the soldiers had stepped out of line. He was lowering the butt of his spear and saying something. He could not make out the words, the ringing in his head would not stop.

The soldier turned to his companions, “A good lesson for the boy!” The other men roared in agreement as he stepped back into line and marched on.

These were the King’ men? They were not enemies, why would they treat him like this? He called out to them, and tried to give chase but his legs had turned to jelly. The last thing he saw was the cobblestone rushing up to meet him.

“You there! Boy! Are you hurt?” A man was shouting. But he seemed so far away.

Arios blinked. How long had he lain here? The sun had passed its peak, he needed to hurry. Before him crouched another soldier. He was garbed in the same cloak and bronze as all soldiers but his helm was crested with white horsehair and on his chest was pinned a gold medallion depicting a Griffin with sapphire eyes. A captain in the King’s army.

The captain reached down and pulled Arios to his feet. “Who did this to you boy?”

“No one Sir, I… I fell.”

The captain smiled gently as he caught Arios starring at his attire. “What is your name boy?” His voice was softer than before. Kinder.

“Arios, Sir. Son of Daidal.”

“Well Arios, I thank you for welcoming us into your city. We will do our best to be worthy of such kindness. And while most of us will hold to this duty there are some amongst this army that are not worthy to wear the colors of our High King.” He looked over at the line of soldiers. They had halted, awaiting their captain’s command. “I hope you will not judge my men by the least amongst them.”

“No Sir, I wouldn’t.” This was the soldier he had imagined. The kind that he would be. “Kenosia is honored to host the King’s men. We will provide whatever aid we can to end the fighting.”

The captain’s eyes twinkled and he started to laugh. Not like the soldiers before. Their laughter had been haughty and cruel, they made Arios feel small. This laugh was deep and slow and full of joy. It drew Arios in and warmed his heart.

“And glad am I to receive such generosity so freely given! Arios your passion is an unexpected delight! I see the makings of a fine soldier.”

Arios’s chest swelled with pride. He would be a fine soldier! It was at this moment he remembered his father’s words and his shoulders fell. “I hope to join you Sir, when I reach manhood. But my father will hear none of it. I fear he is a coward.”

Placing his hand on Arios the captain turned to him and said, “Your father sounds like he loves you very much. Do not begrudge him this. Soldiers are always needed but there is only a short time for you to be his son.” Looking up at the sun he scratched his beard then continued, “The hour grows late. I must get my men to their lodgings and I believe you needed to cross the street?” — He turned to his men directing them with hands — “Make way!” he shouted. The lines parted and he turned back to Arios, “On your way!” He smiled, pushing Arios forward and waving him on.

“Thank you, Sir!” Arios scrambled through the gap across the street. He turned back to see the line closing. It was only then that he thought to get the captain’s name. But he had already vanished, swallowed by the waves of soldiers.