Soul Cursed Protector

Leon rushed over to where Master Gawain and Ulrich laid face down on the ground, “Master Gawain, Ulrich, are you two alright?”

“I believe that we shall live, just give us time to regain our energy.” Gawain smiled faintly.

Ulrich got to his feet without a problem, “I’m fine. But you can thank those two for almost getting me killed.” referring to Gawain and Micha.

“Hey, you’re the one that wanted to stay and watch.” Gawain joked.

“True, and lucky for you that I changed my mind and decided to join you guys in this cave, or you would be dead right now old man.” Ulrich angrily proclaimed.

“Thank you for saving my life.” Gawain felt as though he owed Ulrich that much.

“I don’t need your praise old man.” Ulrich walked over to the far side of the cave ignoring all else. “I don’t need anything from anyone.” he mumbled under his breath.

Gawain smiled, taking in a few more deep breaths of air, “I owe you a debt of gratitude as well, Micha.” he said.

“You owe me no such thing.” Micha was trying to catch his breath too.

Leon walked over to where Gawain and Micha stood gasping for air, “Is all well over here?” he asked., Ellyn wasn’t looking so good either.

“All is good, Leon.” Gawain smiled. “We just suffer from some of the side effects of the

weapon that was used.”

“Do you not feel the effects, young one?” Micha interrupted. “Not that I know of.” Leon answered.

Micha finally had the strength to stand, but not without the aid of the cave wall, he still looked as though he could collapse again at any moment. “A spell of weakening was cast upon all near the battlefield, that much I am sure of. Gawain, your lady friend there, and myself have all been affected. However you and the other boy there, seem to be feeling no ill effects whatsoever.” he explained. “Why is that?”

Gawain had shook off the ill effects and was able to talk, “That is the power of the weapon used, it makes sure that anyone near shall not live. You may think it to be a spell, but it is something far more sinister.” he said, changing the subject.

“Are you saying it wasn’t a spell?” Micha questioned.

“It seems the enemy has acquired the finishing touches to make the weapon complete.” Gawain muttered.

“You make no sense.” Micha was getting a little irritate with Gawain’s half responses.

“The thick clouds that covered the sun was a poison that has an effect on the body for a short amount of time.” Gawain finally answered.

“Surely you joist?” Micha said. “Not a soul alive could make poison fall from the sky.” “They found a way to fuse it into the weapon that was fired, that would be my guess. And if

that’s the case we must find a way to destroy it.” Gawain replied.

Micha’s face turned pale, “That means all is dead, even the enemy.” he gasped. “I do believe so.” Gawain sadly answered.

“Why would the King sacrifice his own men? Why would he kill that many people?” Micha questioned, as anger and rage built up inside of him.

“The only reason would be to test out the weapon, to see just how much damage it could cause on the battlefield.” Gawain answered. “And also to see how well the poison worked.”

“I see.” Micha muttered.

“Micha, I know that you want to grieve for the fallen, however now is not the time. You are now the only one that can get word back to your King on the happenings that took place here.” Gawain told him.

“Do you think it be safe to leave?” Micha asked.

“The effects of the poison is starting to wear off, that much is clear.” Gawain answered. “How do you know that for sure?” Micha questioned.

“For one, I’m feeling better. I can also see that you have gotten your strength back, and Miss Ellyn is back to her feet. So I would say the worst is over for now.” Gawain explained.

“What if they use that weapon again?” Leon interrupted.

“The boy is right.” Micha agreed. “They could easily fire that weapon again if they see any survivors.”

“Do not fear.” Gawain smiled. “It takes days before that blasted thing can be used again.” “Then let us make haste.” Micha said. He tried to exit the cave but Gawain was quick to stop

him. “Why do you stop me? You yourself said that I should get word to back to my King.”

“Just listen for a moment, you need to prepare yourself for what you will see when we take leave of this cave. It will be most disturbing.” Gawain gave fair warning for the horror that awaited.

“I shall.” Micha nodded. What they had seen when they stepped out of the cave was truly terrifying, the camp that was set up as a command post was now nothing more than a pile of ash that was spread across the ground. The trees that once surrounded them were now gone, and the stench of burning flesh filled the air. “I shutter to think of what the battlefield shall look like.” Micha said with a look of sadness in his eyes.

“That is why I said to prepare yourself.” Gawain frowned.

“I wish there was a way around, but I must see it with my own eyes or I will not know what to tell the King.” Micha replied. “But I fear we must walk, for I doubt the horses survived the blast, however I know of a town nearby where we can get horses and provisions.”

“Then let us be on our way.” Gawain responded. They walked for a few good miles through ash, and chard ground, watching for any signs of life, but there was nothing that had survived. The ground they walked upon crackled with every step, the flames had chard everything in the surrounding area.

What used to be a thriving area with green grass, and lush trees was now nothing more than a wasteland.

“We near where the battle was taking place.” Micha told them. “Are you sure that you are ready for this?” Gawain asked.

“Do not worry about me, this is something that I must do.” Micha responded. As they approached where the battle had taken place, a thick cloud of smoke filled the air, and the smell of burnt flesh had gotten stronger. It was so unbearable that the young warriors started feeling ill, but still they pressed on.

When Gawain and his companions, along with their new friend, took their first steps onto what used to be a battlefield they witnessed something that sent chills down each of their spines. For the sight was so gruesome that Micha instantly fell to his knees and started to vomit. Gawain on the other hand was quick to check on Micha’s well being, “Are you alright, Micha?”

“I am alright, thank you.” Micha said as he slowly stood back up. “This is the first time I have ever seen such a sight in all my life.” all around them were the burnt bodies of all the soldiers that were fighting one another, what was even more horrifying was the fact that the bodies still stood, as though they were made of stone. “The only thing that keeps them on their feet is the armor that the chard skin has fused with.” he muttered, trying to hold back his vomit.

“Why would someone order this done to others, especially there own men?” Ellyn tried to fight back her tears but still yet they streamed down her cheeks regardless. “Is this the power that you bragged so much about, Ulrich?”

Ulrich could not look Ellyn in the eyes, her tears were enough to make him want to show what he thought to be weakness. “No.” he lowered his head making sure not to make eye contact with any of his companions. “I had no idea it would be this bad.”

“Do not judge Ulrich so hastely, Miss Ellyn. He has been lead down the wrong path by others that he thinks he can trust in.” Gawain explained.

“General Angmar.” Micha gasped, rushing over to where one of the chard bodies stood, by the looks of the armor you could easily tell that it was clearly the chard body of Micha’s general. “Why? Why did you have to be so stubborn? If you would have just listened, you and the rest of the men would still be alive.”

Gawain walked closer to where Micha stood, “He was more than just a General to you wasn’t

he?”

Micha wiped the tears from his eyes, “General Angmar was my father.” he answered. “Because of his pigheadedness, I have to go back home and explain to my sister why she shall never see her father again.” he cried out. “Why would you leave us alone like this you old fool.” he punched the armor, what was left of Angmar’s body crumbled to the ground. All that was left of the former general was the breastplate of armor, and a sword that was left sticking out of the ashes.

“It’s hard to lose someone that you loved.” Gawain frowned.

Micha wiped the tears from his eyes for a second time, “Do we have time to give my father the proper burial he deserves?” he asked, never once looking up.

“We do.” Gawain answered. “Would you like some help?”

“Thank you for the offer, Sir Gawain. But if you don’t mind I would like sometime alone.”

Micha said, choking back his tears.

“When you are ready we shall be over there waiting.” Gawain said to him before turning to his students. “Micha needs sometime to gather his thoughts, lets leave him be.”

Micha dug a shallow grave for his fathers ashes. “Father, I know that you were always hard on us for a reason. And I also know that you would have done anything to keep us and your country safe.” he paused briefly to push some of the ashes off into the grave. “I remember the day when I told you that I had enlisted to become a soldier.” Micha chuckled. “You told me that I was stupid to do something I didn’t have the heart for. But I proved you wrong and I became the youngest to reach the ranks of second in command, behind you that is. I remember how proud I made you that day.” he finished with the grave and placed the breast plate that his father wore throughout his days of knighthood atop as a show of respect. He then took up his fathers sword and whispered, “I will take vengeance against the ones that did this and make you proud once again. When that is done, I shall return your blade father. I promise.” Micha sheathed the blade and went over to reunite with the others.

“Is all well?” Gawain asked after Micha had returned.

“All is well.” Micha answered. He looked around at all the other men that had fallen in battle, “I wish we could do more for them.”

“Getting this information to your King is the right thing to do for these brave souls.” Gawain replied. “Leaving them like this is sad indeed, but we must press on.”

“Yes, you are right Sir Gawain, let us be on our way to the town of Coalfell.” Micha sighed, he put on a brave face and marched on. It was a long and grueling walk as they made their way towards the small town of Coalfell. The hills were rough and still chard from the blast. And the forest that would usually provide shade from the heat of the summer sun was burnt to the ground. It was unbearable as the land around them was emitting large amounts warmth to add to the already scorching sun.

“Lets hope we get to this town soon, I don’t think my skin can handle much more of this heat.” Ellyn whined.

“Do not worry Miss Ellyn, it won’t be much further.” Micha turned to her and smiled. “What’s wrong Ellyn, are you afraid of a little dry skin?” Leon joked. Ulrich punched Leon’s

arm for his remark towards Ellyn, “What was that for, Ulrich?”

“You should never talk to a lady in such a manner, especially Ellyn.” Ulrich replied. “If you do so again, I shall punch you even harder. Now apologize.”

Leon turned to Ellyn, “Sorry Ellyn, I didn’t mean anything by my words. I was just trying to lighten the mood.” he frowned.

“It’s fine.” Ellyn smiled happily. “The heat is getting to us all.” Leon turned back to face Ulrich, “Happy now?”

“I am.” Ulrich smiled.

Leon shook his head, “I just don’t get you sometimes, Ulrich.”

“Women can make you feel and do some strange things, Leon.” Ulrich laughed. “Someday you will understand that.” he nudged Leon out of the way so that he could walk closer to Ellyn.

“Fine, stay back here with her.” Leon muttered to himself, walking on ahead with Gawain and

Micha.

“What can we do for you, Leon?” Gawain asked when Leon walked up.

“Ulrich is back there ignoring me, so I figured I would join the men leading the way.” Leon answered.

Gawain glanced back briefly at Ulrich, who was trying his best to impress Ellyn, the sight made him chuckle lightly. “I see what you mean.” he smirked.

“It’s not a laughing matter, Master Gawain.” Leon huffed.

“Well of course it isn’t a laughing matter.” Gawain made his voice sound deeper more serious to

make Leon feel better. “Stay up here with us men.”

“Thank you, Master Gawain.” Leon appreciated the gesture. “How long until we reach the town of Coalfell?”

“The town is just over this hill.” Micha answered. “Micha?” Leon quietly said.

“Yes?” Micha responded.

“I do not like bringing up a sore subject, and I did not get to say this before.” Leon swallowed nervously, he was afraid that what he wants to say might upset Micha, which was not his intent.

“Go on, young one.” Micha turned to look at Leon. “Say what you must, there is no reason to be afraid to speak.”

Leon wiped the sweat from his forehead, “I just wanted to say that I am sorry for your loss, I know how it feels to lose a father.”

“Thank you.” Micah smiled. “All we can do now is make our fathers proud.”

“Could you please call me by my name? It’s Leon, and I hate when others call me “young one.”” Leon explained.

“As you wish, Leon.” Micha replied. “Ah, we have made it to the top of the hill. Coalfell should be just below us.” Micha looked down to the bottom of the hill glad that they had made it through the harsh environment. But what he had seen sent chills down his spine, there wasn’t a thriving town of old from his childhood memories, instead it was a town in complete chaos and ruin. “By the gods, has the impact from the blast truly stretched this far?” he gasped.

“Even the town of Coalfell has been devastated.” Gawain whispered. “We have to make haste to your kingdom.” this time making sure that his voice could be heard.

However Leon was hearing something strange himself, “Wait, did you guys hear that?” Gawain and Micha both turned to face Leon, “Hear what?” Gawain asked. “Did you hear

anything, Micha?”

“No, didn’t hear a thing.” Micha shrugged.

Again Leon could hear what he made out as screams of terror coming from the town below, this time even louder than before. “There it is again.” he said. However this time he didn’t wait to find out if Gawain or Micha heard the screams. In an instant he was running down the hill side, and nothing was going to get in his way or stop him from finding out what was happening to the people of Coalfell.

“Wait, Leon. It’s to dangerous to go alone.” Micha shouted, running down the hill after him. To his surprise he could not catch up, Leon was moving so fast that none had a chance of stopping him from doing something foolish.

Gawain had to warn Ellyn and Ulrich before he could chase after Leon and Micha. “Ellyn, Ulrich, follow me as quickly as possible, and do not ask questions there is no time for that.” he looked back and shouted before disappearing over the hillside.

“Come Ellyn, we have to hurry. Leon must have done something foolish yet again.” Ulrich grabbed Ellyn’s hand pulling her along.

“Leon. Leon.” Gawain called out once they made it into the town. “Where is that blasted boy?” “Sir Gawain, I think we should split up.” Micha suggested. “It would help us cover more

ground.”

About that time Ellyn and Ulrich walked up, “What did Leon do this time?” Ulrich asked. “We can discuss that later, right now we need to split up and find him.” Gawain said. “Ulrich.

You and Ellyn search one part of the town, while Micha and I search the other.”

“Whatever old man.” Ulrich said. “Lets go Ellyn, we need to find Leon before he gets himself into more trouble.” he didn’t give her time to say a word as he pulled her along.

Gawain and Micha decided that they could cover more ground if the two of them split up as well. Micha was off closer to the center of Coalfell searching the area, “Leon.” he called out, searching

around what was left of peoples homes. Micha tried to open up the doors to those houses, but it seemed as though the survivors had barricaded themselves inside. None of the doors would open to any of the huts he searched. “If anyone can hear me, then know that I’m not your enemy, nor am I here to hurt you. I’m just looking for a young boy that has made his way into your town, if you can help me that would be much appreciated.” but he didn’t get a response.

Gawain on the other hand found something very interesting in his search of the town, there were soldiers lurking about. What could soldiers be doing here? he thought to himself. “This cannot be a good sign, I must warn the others.” he whispered, before sneaking off.

“Who goes there?” Micha was shocked to hear an unfamiliar voice, he made sure to turn around slowly to face the unknown person. “Who are you?” the man angrily asked. Micha was now face to face with a soldier that had a sword pointed right at his chest, it was clear that he was staring into the eyes of the enemy.

“You are the ones that caused all of this chaos.” Micha couldn’t control his anger, taking a step closer to the soldier.

“If you take another step I will run you through.” the soldier warned.

Micha stepped closer shouting at the soldier like a madman, “Why? Why sacrifice your own men and other innocent lives just to test a weapon?”

“What business is it of yours?” the soldier smirked. “Wait a second. That armor you wear, I recognize it. You are second in command of the Knights Of Wespington, this day couldn’t have gone any better.”

While the soldier was to busy gloating Micha made his move, he kicked the soldiers weapon from his hand. Before the man had time to react, Micha pulled his knife and plunged it straight into his face. A crimson red flowed onto Micha’s hand that held the knife, “Die scum. Die.” he screamed out like a wild animal that had just made its kill for the day. His enemy fell to the ground, his body was

nothing more than a lifeless shell, and Micha enjoyed every minute of it.

Moments later Gawain came running up, “I see that you have already ran into one of the soldiers that are scouting this town.” he said looking down at the lifeless body.

Micha raised his head to look at Gawain, “These are the pigs that fired that powerful weapon onto the battlefield, I’m sure of it.” he hissed.

Gawain ran his fingers through his hair nervously, “If that is the case, it would explain why they are here.”

“What do you mean?”

“Think about it for a second, Micha.” Gawain said. “These soldiers are here to survey the damage. When they’re done they will kill and plunder what is left of the towns that have suffered from the blast.”

“Then we had best find Leon, along with the others.”

Ellyn was glancing over at Ulrich smiling every chance that she had gotten, when Ulrich noticed what she was doing he stopped, “Is something the matter?”

She looked at him and smiled brightly, “It has been nice holding your hand and walking with you, but do you think I can have my hand back now?” she giggled. Ulrich found himself lost in her bright green eyes, Ellyn’s smile seemed to fill his heart with a warmth that he could not explain. “Hello? Are you paying attention to me, Ulrich?” she smiled and waved her other hand in front of his face. “Can I have my hand back now, or not?”

Ulrich’s face turned red, he tried to clear his throat before speaking. “Wha- What were you saying again?” he coughed.

Ellyn held up her hand that Ulrich had a tight grip upon, “My hand, can I have it back?” she giggled again.

Ulrich let go of her hand, his face still as red as ever. “Sorry.” he muttered.

Before Ellyn or Ulrich could say another word to each other, they were interrupted by a couple of unexpected guests. “Well, well, well. Look at what we have here.” a voice said.

“Who in the hell are you?” Ulrich grumbled, being interrupted when he was finally getting time alone with Ellyn didn’t set well with him, even if it was to search for Leon.

“Do not speak to soldiers of Odrela in such a fowl manner, boy.” one of them warned.

“Is that a threat?” Ulrich laughed. He could tell that these soldiers were just lower level officers by the look of the armor they wore. The breast plate of their armor was thin and ragged looking, and the helmets on their heads sat on top of their heads not even covering their faces. “You’re just lower level clowns that don’t deserve to call yourselves soldiers.”

“What was that you little brat.” that same soldier hissed. “Pipe down.” Ulrich snapped.

Ellyn nudged Ulrich’s arm with hers, “What are you doing?” she whispered. “This isn’t the time or the place to start a fight.”

“Why not? Do you think that these men shall let us live?” Ulrich asked. “Can you not see that these men are the enemy?”

“Whatever do you mean?” Ellyn had a look of confusion on her face as usual, playing dumb was a strong point of hers nowadays.

“Smart kid.” the other said. “To smart for your own good, now be a good little boy and girl and make this easy on yourselves.”

Ulrich unsheathed his blade, “I never make things easy for anyone.” he smirked.

Both of the soldiers unsheathed their blade too, “This should be easy enough.” one of them joked. “First time we’ve ever fought a kid though.”

“It is not going to be as easy as you think.” Ulrich grinned. He looked over at Ellyn with a smile on his face, “Which one of these fools would you like to take on?”

“I believe I will watch this time.” Ellyn smiled, wanting to see Ulrich’s true skills for herself. “Suit yourself.” Ulrich turned his attention back on the lower level officers, “Lets get this over

with, we’re kind of in a hurry.” he lifted his hand and motioned for them to make the first move.

Darz stood off in the distance keeping an eye on the situation, any signs of Ulrich being injured, and he would have to spring into action. What is that boy thinking? Does he wish to get himself killed by taking on two enemies at once. If things get out of control I will have to find a way to intervene without being seen, damn kid is making things difficult for me.

“I’m going to enjoy killing you.” one of the soldiers went to attack Ulrich but was stopped by the other man that was with him.

“Hold on a second, Peter.” he said as he grabbed the other by the arm. “Why do you stop me, Simon?” Peter bellowed. “I wish to kill that brat.”

“Calm yourself, Peter.” Simon demanded. “You don’t know what this kid is capable of.” “Hey.” Ulrich smirked. “Are we going to get this over with anytime soon or what?”

That sent Peter into a blind rage, he pushed Simon out of the way and charged at Ulrich. “Damn fool is going to get himself killed.” Simon whispered to himself. But he didn’t feel inclined to give chase, nor did he feel the need to stop Peter from making the mistake of underestimating his opponent. No, instead he stood there and let Peter seal his own fate.

Peter lifted his blade at the last second and brought it down towards Ulrich’s head, “Enjoy dying by my hands you little brat.” he shouted.

Ulrich glared at Peter, “You are a fool.” before the sword even came close, Ulrich lunged forward at Peter with an unexpected swiftness. And with that Peter never stood a chance, the sharp blade plunged right throw the thin breastplate and straight into Peter’s chest without him even realizing it until it was to late.

“Damn it, how did you dodge my attack so quickly?” Peter readied himself again, “No matter, you won’t be so lucky a second time.” but he started to stumble as his body began weaken. Peter felt something warm running down his chest, then blood gurgled up in his mouth. “How? How could I lose to a child?” was the last words that he uttered, and his lifeless body fell to the ground.

“I did say that I was in a hurry, guess he didn’t hear that part.” Ulrich joked, fighting someone at that skill level was all to easy for someone as good as he. “One down and one more to go.” he looked over at Simon with a slight smirk on his face. “You’re next.”

“I do not wish to fight you.” Simon laughed. “Never did.” the man then sheathed his blade. “Do you not wish to avenge your friend?” Ulrich asked, with a smile stretched across his face.

“He was never really my friend in the first place.” Simon responded, he turned to walk away but Ulrich had other plans.

“Don’t think that I am going to simply let you walk away.”

“If you are smart you will.” Simon responded without even looking back. “So you are a coward then?” Ulrich mocked him.

When Ulrich called Simon a coward it made something change in him, his posture was different as he stood up straight and proud like a true soldier would, not slumped over like he was at first. When he spoke his voice was darker, had more of an edge to it. “I do not wish to fight you child, those were not my orders.” Simon turned to face Ulrich but this time his eyes were cold and soulless, so much so that it sent fear through Ellyn’s body, because of that she knew that man wasn’t to be trifled with.

Ellyn took Ulrich’s hand in hers, “Lets be on our way, Ulrich. Remember, we still have to find Leon.” she whispered to him. Ulrich went to take a few more steps closer towards Simon’s direction when Ellyn jumped in front of him lifting his chin to where his eyes met hers. “Please sheath your blade and let us be on our way, do it for me.” she pleaded. “Please, for me.” there was one thing that Ulrich could not resist no matter how hard he fought it, was his feelings for Ellyn, and he promised to

never do anything that may upset her ever again.

“Fine.” Ulrich smiled. “I shall do as you ask of me.” he sheathed his blade just to make her

happy.

“Thank you, Ulrich.” Ellyn smiled nervously.

“You’re welcome.” Ulrich sighed, turning his attention back to Simon. “As for you, you can take your leave now. Next we meet, we shall finish what was started here.”

“That we will, that we will.” Simon ominously agreed as he walked away.

Something about that man is familiar to me. Darz turned to walk away, seeing how the boy was safe from harm for the time being.

“Something is going on over there, I can hear some kind of commotion.” Micha shouted. A second or so later Micha found Leon, he was covered in blood and looked as though he had been in a hard fought battle. But what really caught Micha’s eye was all the dead soldiers laying before the feet of the young boy. “Sir Gawain.” he called out. “I have found the boy.”

Gawain came running around the corner, and as soon as he caught a glimpse of Leon and the dead soldiers at his feet, he stopped dead in his tracks. “By the gods, what has happened here?” he gasped.

Ellyn and Ulrich appeared from the shadows, but stopped just before they reached Leon. “It would seem that Leon cleared the town of the soldiers single-handed.” Ulrich was somewhat amused that Leon could accomplish such a feet on his own. “Here I was hoping to have a little more fun myself.”

“This is no time to joist, Ulrich.” Gawain scolded before turning his attention towards Leon, “Leon?” he hesitantly took a few steps closer.

Leon raised his head looking at Gawain, “You seem to be hesitating, are you afraid of me Master Gawain?”

“No.” Gawain shook his head. “If I was afraid of you, you would know it.” “Good.” Leon smiled. “There is no need for anyone to be afraid of me.” Gawain took another step closer, “What happened here?”

“I heard someone cry out for help, that’s why I ran off ahead of the group. When I got here these soldiers were trying to hurt innocent women and children. I tried to stop them and they turned their blades upon me.” Leon paused momentarily.

“Go on.” Gawain said.

“I had no choice but to dispose of them, in fact, it was necessary.” Leon cracked a cold smile. “Did anything else happen?” Gawain asked, trying to hide his nervousness, “Nothing out of the

ordinary?”

Leon sheathed his blade, “Nothing that I can recall. Why?” “No reason.” Gawain said.

“These are highly trained soldiers.” Micha interrupted. “How could you take them out with such ease as you say?”

“Look at the armor they wear.” Leon pointed at the bodies that lay on the ground. “Would high level soldiers wear what these men have on?”

“What are you getting at?” Micha replied.

“If you would pay attention, you would know that by looking at the armor, these men are clearly lower level officers. Or just men for hire.” Ulrich interrupted.

“Just like the men we ran into.” Ellyn said. “Exactly.” Ulrich smiled.

“That doesn’t make sense.” Micha frowned. “The men Sir Gawain and I faced were true soldiers of the enemy.”

“Which means these men are hired hands, since most of the real soldiers died on the

battlefield.” Leon guessed.

“It would explain their lack of experience.” Ulrich said.

“We can figure the rest of this out later.” interrupted Gawain. “Right now we need to find the survivors, it would be unwise to allow them to stay in this town as is. Also there is a horse troth a ways back. Find it and clean yourself up Leon, the townspeople will not trust in us if you walk around like that.”

“Of course, Master Gawain.” Leon replied before walking away.

“Ulrich, Ellyn, see if you can find us any horses.” Gawain asked of them. “Whatever old man.” Ulrich said.

Micha watched until the two young ones were out of sight. “Tell me Sir Gawain, how is it that someone so young could defeat so many grown men?”

Gawain payed no mind to the question he was asked, “Let us concentrate on finding survivors.” “Are you not going to answer me?”

“I am not.”

“Do you not trust me?”

“This is not the time or the place to discuss such things, we need to find any survivors and get them to a safer place. Once done we can talk about whatever you wish.” Gawain said.

Though he didn’t like Gawain’s response, he went along with it regardless. “If that is the way it has to be for now, then so be it.” Micha sighed. “Any survivors that we find that are willing to leave, we shall lead them to where they will be safe, where I hale from.”

“That is most generous of you.” Gawain replied.

“It is the least I can do, seeing how we failed to protect them.” Micha frowned. “But that mistake shall not happen again.”

“Remember those words and follow them through even if your King does not.”