The Seven Orbs

Chapter One

The Guardsmen Grumble

6

"War is at hand. Real war, not the mock games the so-called King has the Captain, his son, run us through with sticks and stones," Sergeant on Patrol Balesman complained to the soldiers manning the guard post above the drawbridge. "When was the last time any of us tasted real battle, sparked the swords, or splintered a shield? Most of you are too young to remember the War of the Three Kingdoms, when Governor Terria rode the dragon and conquered the governors of the forest and the river realms, when the Wizard summoned the 100 orbs and 100 archers rode them into battle. Magic they were. The arrows flew out, but the enemy arrows could not penetrate the bubbles. What chance did they have, against a fire-breathing dragon in flight and floating orbs of pure magic?"

"Were you there, Sarge?" asked the young guardsman, Elsmith.

"Damn right I was, lad," Balesman said without pride in his voice. "I was there for the massacre. Governor Bosque and Governor Aquell surrendered to Terria. He united the kingdoms and lay claim to all three kingdoms under one name, King Terria. For over a year the governors protested the union until Terria allowed Bosque and Aquell lordship to govern their territories, as long as they did so under Terria's law and rule, with the promise that after 20 years, if peace were maintained, they could rule as they pleased. Well, it was 20 years to the day last month, and King Terria has been strangely silent as his son, Theo, prepares his Guardsmen for battle and thunder and lightning are seen and heard coming from the Wizard's keep. War is afoot, I tell you."

Suddenly, Elsmith reports that Captain Theo approaches. 

Balesman swallows a laugh and hides it behind a harsh smile. "Word has it that our Theo courts Bosque's daughter, Abora, Captain of the Forest Guard. What shall we make of that, lads/"

The men snicker and nod to each other. 

In walks Captain Theo. "And what, may I ask, elicits such laughter on such a foreboding night?" The snickering stopped. 

"When do we fight?" asked the sergeant boldly.

"So, the rumors have reached your lazy ears that have nothing better to do than seek out gossip. Perhaps some duty outside the walls might sharpen your wits."

"I'm sorry, my Captain, but if we're to fight, would it best serve the King that we prepare for battle rather than be punished for seeking some truth? These are but lads, never struck flesh or drawn blood. This is your army." The Sergeant looked Theo straight in the eye. Theo flinched and looked away. "Then let it ease your worry that my father, the King, plans to awaken the dragon, and the Wizard has begun work on the magic orbs. The army will follow an army of two into battle. Who needs men when you have magic and fire?!"

The Sergeant did not seem impressed. "Nevertheless, I will begin training the men with proper swords and shields. No one can predict what 20 years and one month have done to our battle skills. Best we all three of our army be ready."

Theo bowed to the old Sergeant and said, "I trust you to be ready for war, and that you will ready your men to support the forces that go before you. The dragon and the wizard may need your help before the day is done, right, Sergeant?" 

As Theo left, Baleman muttered under his breath, "No darker words have been spoken, except at funerals." 

The King and The Prince

7

"Father," Theo complained, "the Guardsmen are apprehensive. Only old Balesman who was there at the original battle senses the truth. Twenty years have gone by. We are not the same warriors of old. He knows the difference. He saw the dragon fly, saw the orbs descend on the enemy. But his doubts are true. It's been 20 years since that day. He fills the young Guardsmen with doubt as well. Father, are we truly prepared?"

"Calm yourself, boy," the King scolded his son. "I will wake the dragon shortly. I will meet with the Wizard's apprentice thereafter. I make preparations on my part. You must make preparations on yours. They are your men to command, not Balesman. You must shake any notions from their heads that you would favor your mistress's needs over your own kingdom's needs. She will not yield to you. She is a worthy captain for her father. Can't you find it in yourself to be a worthy one for me?"

"Yesterday we talked of children, your grandchildren, father. Today we talk of ending a lineage. Promise me, father, that you and your dragon will end things quickly. Do not make me meet her on the battlefield. Make ready the orbs. If talks of peace have ended, then we must end the war quickly. I do not know if I have it in me to face her in battle." Theo stood from his seat and looked sadly on his father. 

King Terria stood and placed a hand on his son's shoulder. "I promise you, this war will be over before sunset." 

Captain Theo heard his father's promise and believed not one word. 

Wisdom, Winsome, and Agyle.

8

Coming soon...