War For The Kingdom (Part 14)

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The village doctor's face wordlessly expressed the reality that Sir Gavin had feared. He had hoped against hope that the sergeant could just hold out through the night; that he could possibly recover. The doctor's solemn countenance as he exited the room in which sergeant lay shattered those hopes in a million pieces.

"I'm sorry, Sir." The words that Sir Gavin didn't want to hear were inevitable. "He's gone."

Even though Sir Gavin knew deep down that this moment was coming, he still could not stop the several tears that slowly slid from his eyes. This was a brief moment of transformation from the brave, stone-faced Sir Gavin the soldier to just Gavin, a normal person with normal qualities. This moment highlighted the less obvious truths about Gavin; that he had emotions just like anyone else. Even though he had only known the sergeant for a little over a day, he knew that he had lost a friend and fellow soldier, and that the kingdom had lost a good man.

"Thank you, doctor," he silently whispered. "I know you did all that you could." The doctor bowed his head.

"Yes, I did. Sadly, there was not much that could be done." He began walking towards the exit of the inn, but stopped and turned back to Gavin.

"Do you want me to tell the others?" he asked. Gavin slowly walked to where the doctor stood.

"Aye, go ahead. I'll come with you." The two men stepped into the tavern from the back room, where Sir William, Bartholomew, Major Wilkins, and the field officer sat apprehensively around a table. They too seemed to sense the grievous news before it was spoken.

"I am so sorry to tell you this, Sirs, but Sergeant Jeremy Watts just passed from this life," The doctor repeated to the others. None of them seemed surprised, but nearly all of them showed some emotion. Major Wilkins, a close friend of the sergeant Watts, took it the hardest. He eventually left the room, unable to hold back his tears. Sir William, still recovering from his own injuries, looked solemnly at the ground. He folded his hands, his lips moving in silent prayer. Bartholomew seemed extremely disturbed at the fact that the poor sergeant had died from fighting off an assassin that had been sent to kill him instead. His guilt was overwhelming.

"I should be th' one dead. Not th' sargent, God rest his soul," he thought to himself. His hatred against the banner that he had once served grew in that moment: the moment he further realized the great evil that the Dark Lord and his subordinates stood for. Now he, instead of Desmond Lackley, was the one who wanted revenge. He would do what the sergeant could no longer do: he would fight for the side of good.

"I suppose we should prepare the army to move." Sir Gavin broke the silence that hung over the room. His grief was not diminished in any way, but he knew he had a crucial task - one on which the fate of the kingdom rested. Sir William rose from his chair.

"Agreed," he answered. Sir Gavin had told the Crimson Knight of his battle plan over the night, including the enemy's plan concerning the underground caves. "I think I can ride," continued the Crimson Knight. He took several limping steps across the room before sitting down again, barely able to catch his breath.

"With all due respect, your Excellency, I think on the contrary. I fear you are not fit for battle," said Sir Gavin. "Your sword arm is still broken and in a sling. Stay here and rest. I can handle things in the field." Sir William looked frustrated but resigned to this statement, which he knew was true.

"Very well then, you have control of the force. Just remember that the fate of all of us rests on you, Sir Gavin. I believe in your abilities." Sir Gavin nodded respectfully and turned to Major Wilkins.

"Major, I know this is a lot to ask given the current state of affairs, but could you please post a guard outside this building? I want it protected very well. The major dabbed his red eyes with a kerchief before answering.

"Y-yes Sir, I'll have it done immediately," he replied sobbingly. "I'll also stop by the poor sergeant's home and inform his dear wife of this terrible tragedy. She'll take it better from me since I'm a friend of the family's." Sir Gavin granted the major leave then turned to Bartholomew and the field officer.

"We must prepare to move, Sirs. We'll have a funeral service for the poor sergeant when these invaders are defeated."  "IF these invaders are defeated," He thought to himself. He hoped that they would be in time to stop the evil force before they were in the caves, already on their way to wreak havoc on the kingdom's other cities.

The morning air was even colder than Sir Gavin expected and he chilled violently as he stepped out of the tavern. The sun had not completely risen, and the absence of its heat amplified the cutting temperature even more. A thin layer of slippery ice-covered nearly every surface, and it appeared that few of the city's residents wished to get out in it. Sir Gavin, Bartholomew, and the field officer practically ran to the barracks, not so much short on time, but rather on their ability to tolerate the brutal conditions.

"We have to attack today," Sir Gavin thought to himself. The fate of the kingdom was more important than numb limbs.

The trio soon reached the barracks building and began to rally the men. Within the hour, the entire force of almost twenty thousand strong was strung through Lothington's main street ready to march. Sir Gavin took his position at the front of the column and raised his hand forward, spurring his horse at the same time. They were on the way to complete their mission and complete it they would, even at the cost of their lives.

[Person_Random 4,991]

Approved.

Absolutely phenomenal chapter; it was very moving and further advanced the plot perfectly. Perhaps a climax is coming soon? Personally, the plot was the best part as there was a good mix of description/dialogue, character development, and plot progression. The next chapter will be a must-read, so I'll be sure to approve that at my earliest convenience. Amazing work as always - you're a fine story writer and have improved immensely since the beginning of the series. I hope to see more great pieces from you! 

Edits: a few spelling/grammar changes

Spoiler

There were a few cases where similar-sounding words were replaced with an incorrect homonym. (for example, you wrote new vs. knew). It's not a major issue, but just keep an eye out for it when you're reading it over before submission. Other than that, great work! 

 

[dupuy 318]

3 hours ago, Person_Random said:

Approved.

Absolutely phenomenal chapter; it was very moving and further advanced the plot perfectly. Perhaps a climax is coming soon? Personally, the plot was the best part as there was a good mix of description/dialogue, character development, and plot progression. The next chapter will be a must-read, so I'll be sure to approve that at my earliest convenience. Amazing work as always - you're a fine story writer and have improved immensely since the beginning of the series. I hope to see more great pieces from you! 

Edits: a few spelling/grammar changes

  Reveal hidden contents

There were a few cases where similar-sounding words were replaced with an incorrect homonym. (for example, you wrote new vs. knew). It's not a major issue, but just keep an eye out for it when you're reading it over before submission. Other than that, great work! 

 

Thanks again! I am humbled by the complements and the effort that your putting into the approval process. Indeed, a climax is coming soon. We are getting closer to the end of the series, and the final conflict is soon to be solved!