Dedication to the King

The winter sun’s glow fell behind the western horizon pulling with it a pink purple sky.  King Augustin’s party of guardians and sons pitched camp early and prepared for a dinner of the wilderness.  The first taste of a hard traveled day was spoon fed to his young quartet and it already had taken its toll.  Luther and Hayden, the brave would be martyrs for their king, were asleep where they fell.  Orry and Bolestaw were exhausted as well but still managed to keep their eyes open long enough to eat something.  Nicolas, with his usual lot of officers, was tired but enjoyed seeing the pomposity of youth being humbled through their experience with reality. 

“So what did you think of your first day out here in the far reaches of nowhere?” asked Demers. 

“I knew that it would be taxing but not like this,” said Orry.  “My back and legs ache as if daggers were jabbed into every nerve and muscle.” 

“Still, we outlasted those two,” motioned Bolestaw toward his sleeping brothers. 

“It will be worse for them in the morning.  Their bodies will ache like yours but their bellies will be empty and we ride at first light,” said Nicolas, smiling while shaking his head in pity. 

“Riding hard on an empty stomach,” winced Ouellet.  “I have done that several times and each time it felt like my guts were in a vice.  I was doubled over in my saddle and worst of all, I had your brother teasing me the entire day.” 

“You deserved it.  You gave up food for sleep.  They will deserve what they get as well,” chided Girard. 

“How much farther do we have to travel?” asked Orry. 

“Another full day’s ride.  We should make it there by nightfall but it will be on our hands and knees,” said Demers. 

“I know that father wants to settle this stalemate now but what is the difference of one or two more days?” asked Orry. 

“More lives to save,” said Bolestaw, poking a stick into the campfire. 

The veterans were surprised by Bolestaw’s understanding of one of the stark realities of war. 

“Good, Bolestaw.  You learn fast and before you have seen your first torn body as well,” said Nevelon. 

“But isn’t that what is expected of soldiers - to serve and die for your king and kingdom?” asked a sincere Orry. 

“No, dear Orry, it is for your helpless opponent to commit such an act,” said Gagnon.  “Death in any situation is worse than living.” 

“That is because you fear death, noble,” retorted Brenner.  “You know deep down in your soul that you fear God’s chastisement for rejecting him.”  

“Will you ever give me a moment of peace from your evangelization of your Church?  For the last time, Axel, I am not, nor will I ever turn to your God or anyone else’s.  If he did exist and was so loving then why in the