Waiting for the Storm, Part 1 & 2

    Dressed in his armour and ready for war, the young Boeruinean Royal Guard sergeant approached his father's house, wanting to have a few words with him before he left for a battle. Alexander paused for a few moments outside the house. He swallowed. This wasn't his first battle, but he was feeling rather uneasy. He felt tensed. A real warrior wasn't supposed to have such feelings. Besides, he had his doubts. He wasn't sure if they could win this battle. A few minutes passed. Alexander finally opened the door and entered. Warden Edard Katleaf who sat alone, wounded and broken was waiting for the approaching battle just like his son was, looked up as Alexander entered. He smiled widely upon seeing his beloved son. "Hello, father," smiled Alexander. "My dear Alexander, come here," Eddard said, gesturing for Alexander to sit beside him. The young sergeant did so. Eddard poured out two cups of black leaf tea for the two of them as though it was going to be a long conversation. He then reached into a bag and brought out what looked like an armbrand and a ring.

"What do you think of this, Alexander?" Eddard asked, showing his son the items. "This armbrand your mother made for me when we gave our oaths, and this ring was the gift I gave her back.  I am sure you should have them. «Yes father definitely, I mean, they are yours and I may shouldn’t ….." replied Alexander, as he took a sip of the black leaf tea. The aged Warden raised in contemplation his left hand, feeling the pain rushing in his good arm.

They continued sipping their tea for the next few moments, Eddard pouring more into Alexander's cup. After a few minutes, the sergeant decided to let his father know his true feelings. "Father, I feel doubtful about this approaching battle," Alexander confessed. "I don't know if we can win. Suddenly I seemed to have lost all my confidence. I don't feel ready for this battle, father. I feel much tensed. But I know I can't withdraw. It

would make me look like a coward and I can't let the people down."

Eddard took another sip of his black leaf tea before patting his son on the back. "Don't you worry yourself, my son, everything is going to be fine. Soon, the goblins will fall upon our blades and arrows and when they see they can’t get past them they will tire and leave, then we will be at peace.”

"I don't think we'll ever be at peace, father. There were rebellions from the people, and Reylond is doing his best but the people keep complaining about how he runs things, and sooner or later someone will go against us. If we truly want peace, father, he…., we must help him to stop those who try to control us, we are vulnerable, now that our ArchDuke tries to conquer the Imperial City, the enemies from within are upon us."

Eddard sighed as he took another sip of tea. "I do agree with you, Alexander. But why don't you try telling all of that to Lord Valerien. He may listen to you. We're just his humble servants, but still if he does not listen to us, he will also fall."

There was silence. "Father, what if I don't win this battle? What if the goblins breach the walls?" Alexander voiced, quietly. "Do you think we are completely hopeless?"

"Of course I don't, son," Eddard replied, after nearly spluttering his tea out as he heard what Alexander said. "And I'm confident you'll be able to lead this army to victory today. Today, destiny is our friend. Cast away all your doubts and regain your confidence."

Just then, the door opened wildly and a militia man peered in. "Sergeant Alexander! The goblins have lite a large fire in the middle of the field, someone or something seems to be approaching the gates!"

Alexander stood up immediately. Eddard got up slowly as he set down his cup of tea. He noticed that Alexander hadn't finished his.

"I have to go now, father. Wish me luck." the sergeant said, turning to his father. The father and son embraced each other, wishing they could always stay like that, drinking tea and debating politics.  Soon, Alexander and Eddard both promised themselves. When they would finally end this, they could spend more time together and perhaps even travel to the capital of Boeruine, the city of Seaharrow. Soon, the time would come. "Goodbye father. I won't disappoint you," Alexander said, as he saluted his father and left the room, left his father.....

Forever.

When Alexander discovered the news about his father's death, he refused to believe it. He was in a state of shock. But he was forced to face reality when his fathers body was brought to him. All he could do was cry out for his father, for the legacy he had to live up to, for him who was gone for good. He stopped crying out for his father to come back after several times, knowing that the latter would never come back.

"Goodbye, father," he said, softly, tears streaming down his face, as the body was wheeled away. He watched it disappear in the tomb he built for him just outside the city of Stromness. 

Upon entering, he noticed his father cup of tea on the table, which he hadn't washed yet so that he and him could continue having their little chat over a cup of tea when he returned from the battle. He picked it up sadly and gazed at it. Tears rolled down his cheek. He knew he was now, all by himself