After recounting the ordeal with Mr. Delcroix, the reaction from Mary was to be expected. As Joseph explained the situation it became ever clearer to him about the role he needs to play in keeping Ranvar safe.

“You said you were retired.” Mary clearly taken back by the sudden news was left dumbfounded.

“For months at a time I would sit at home praying that you would get home in one piece. I can’t even begin to prepare myself for that kind of thing again.”

“And every time I did come back in one piece.” Joseph knew that a decision of this calibre would take some convincing.

“I know it isn’t easy for you, believe me it isn’t easy for me either. But this is bigger than just us even with Nic. This is about the lives of everyone in the whole of Ranvar.”

Mary took a seat. Her eyes fixed on the kitchen table where the letter has been left. Her mind was split in two ways. A life without Joseph would be a life she would not want to be a part of but the promise of a Job could go a long way in ensuring a good education for Nic.

Joseph was pacing up and down the kitchen waiting for an answer.

“So have you read the letter?” Mary finally answered.

“I wanted to talk to you about it first.” Joseph leaned in and grabbed the letter.

He slipped the letter out of the envelope and took a deep breathe before beginning to read out loud.

Joseph Tutt

As you have been made aware the threat of war is ever increasing. By whom and where is to be kept classified until a later date. Be assured that without the help of as many experienced soldiers, we would be at a clear disadvantage which could lead to catastrophe. The thought of war being spread around the area could leave the small towns around Ranvar in a panic. I cannot stress the importance that this message shall not be spread under any circumstance.

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

The details would be as follows:

Carriages will be parked in the Capital for Military use only from the dates Tuesday to Thursday.

Upon arrival to the barracks you will be separated into your battalions. A briefing will follow in the mess hall and the information about this situation will be known to you.

Ranvar is in need of any man being to come and defend our homeland.

Good luck to you sir

Ministry of Military

“That’s only a couple of days away.” Mary could feel her tears creeping out but stopped herself just in time.

Joseph didn’t say anything. As Mary made her way onto the outside porch Joseph continued to stare at the letter. The thought of leaving Mary alone with Nic for an unknown amount of time was tearing him apart. He knew at the back of his head that this was the right decision and that the fate of Ranvar would rest on every able being to lend a hand.

Joseph made his way to the bedroom, his head bustling with questions and sadness. He turned to see Mary softly crying outside but thought better to let her get the emotions out rather than talk to her at this moment.

As Joseph flopped himself on the bed and dosed off, the sound of Nic waking soothed him and allowed the thoughts to disappear.

A nightmare woke Joseph in the middle of the night drenched in sweat. His panting made Mary stir and roll over but she fell asleep as quickly as she woke.

As he made his way to the kitchen for a drink the thought dawned that these last few days could be the last time he sees Nic, maybe even forever. At that thought he lost his desire for a drink. Instead he made his way back to the cot bedroom where Nic was sleeping.

As light dawned the next day, Joseph found himself on the chair with Nic on his lap. It was unusually loud today as the carriages rolled past the small house.

Nic was playing with the letter that Joseph stashed into his shirt pocket the previous afternoon. At seeing this Joseph resumed the thought he had last night. The thought of leaving so soon and being without his small family was like a weight dragging him down as he began to drown in the pool of despair and worry that the news created in him.

Getting into a military uniform was always a proud moment for Joseph but as he tried it on again it felt different. He was no longer fighting for Ranvar, but also the family.

He had gained a bit of weight since his soldiering days. His boots hugged his feet, Joseph knew that the blisters that would be created will be excruciating. None the less he would have to endure it as the time he has before he leaves is very limited.

The last night before his scheduled departure to the capital, Joseph was in deep thought looking straight ahead not fazed by anything. Mary was preparing for bed but stopped at the sight of him.

“You should get some sleep. There probably won’t be a lot of time to do so once you leave.” Mary knew that rocky times were ahead but decided to show resilience.

“There is one more thing I want to ask of you.” Joseph kept his eyes straight.

“If I don’t return, tell Nic that I died before he was born. It would save a lot of explanation on your part.”

“Don’t say that! You’re going to come home.” Mary had tears dripping down her cheeks.

“Just promise me. I don’t want to be that father that puts everything in front of family. It will make me feel better.”

Joseph got up and headed toward the bedroom leaving Mary in the living room stunned to silence.

“Joseph… I promise.” Mary knew that if it ever came to this point she would be living a lie for the rest of her life.