The Enemy in the Darkness – Part 3
The first streaks of morning caused the LT to stir. He was back in the outpost. He really hated the outpost. Wait a second. He’d fallen asleep on watch again. Anderson wasn’t sure if it was the medication or if his discipline was slipping. He’d have time later to kick himself. Hopefully the private had stayed awake.
He looked around and saw a figure slumped in the corner. “Private, what’s the time?” No response. “Hey, soldier. Wake up!” Still nothing. Anderson went to push himself up and his left arm gave out on him. He really wished his arm would heal up. he tried again with his good arm.
He made his way toward the sleeping soldier when his left foot sunk into a hole. He pitched forward and landed hard. It took a few moments for him to stop seeing stars. He had landed in some kind of muck. It was all over his arms and chest. He’d clean up in a minute. “Soldier, wake up,” yelled Anderson as he shook the soldier by the shoulder. Chills ran down the lieutenant’s back as he flicked on his flashlight. Read more
The Enemy in the Darkness – Part 2
Two days later, the LT woke up in the field hospital. “LT Anderson, you’re awake.” Anderson’s eyes focused on a tall, lean man with broad shoulders decked in scrubs. He guessed it was the doctor on call. “You’re a tough one, I’ll give you that.” Anderson still groggy from the medication tried to form the question in his head. After a bit of mental effort he was able to get out, “What happened?”
“I believe Preston can fill in the details. Don’t move too much, you were really banged up.”
“Sir,” Preston squeaked out as he peeked his head around the shoulder of the doctor. “I’m glad you’re awake. I want to apologize sir. I had started dozing just before the attack. I’m awful sorry. I understand if you bring me up on charges.” Read more
The Enemy in the Darkness – Part 1
A ear-piercing scream cut through the silent, moonless night. LT Anderson awoke from a fitful sleep. His brain began processing. Was that his dream or was it part of reality? The two seemed to blur anymore. Even more so during the long, dark nights. Anderson continued to shake the cobwebs from his mind as he reached for his sword and helmet.
“Talbot! Status!” Corporal Talbot was one of Anderson’s best non-coms. Talbot was always doing his best to make his men laugh. But when it was time, he was all business. “All clear. All personnel accounted for, sir,” shouted the corporal. His voiced carried through the clear night air. If it weren’t for the threat lurking beyond the trenches, Anderson would have enjoyed this seemingly peaceful evening. Read more
Living in the shadow of the Castle – Part 1
I find myself in a daze. There is the acrid smell of burned timbers and the moans of the dying. It happened without warning. A raiding party from the kingdom across the Great Desolation Mountains swept in during the night and destroyed everything I held dear.
I should give some background information. I am a servant and soldier of the Great King and his Son. His crest and coat of armors hung above my mantle. It all started during a time similar to this. My family had been set upon by robbers and my father was killed during the altercation. I was taken from my family and sold into slavery.
One day when my master reached his limit with my incompetence, he beat me and threw me outside the city walls. I laid there on the side of road for what seemed like days. My will and spirit were as broken as my body.
At some point, I heard the roar of horse hooves in the distance. The sound grew in intensity till I thought my ears would burst. And then it ceased. I tried to look but I could not summon the strength to move my head. It was at this point that I felt hands under my arms lifting me to my feet. It was then I realized I was in the presence of royalty. There upon grand white stallions were the Great King and his Son. The King questioned me asking, “How did you come to be thrown out of the city like common garbage?”
I replied, “Oh, Majesty, my master became tired of my inadequacies, beat me and left me here to die.” Then words that I will never forget were spoken, “My child, today your ransom will be paid and you will become a child of the Great King. You will live in my city and eat at my table. You will serve me as an ambassador and as a soldier when needed.” He then turned to look at the Son, who drew reigns and galloped toward the castle. The King watched his Son ride into the distance and then returned his gaze upon me. “Let us return home this evening. Send a messenger ahead that we may celebrate with feasting a new member of my family.”
With that I was lifted upon a horse and we made our way across the open fields. We were headed toward the jagged peaks of the Great Desolation Mountains. Our journey became arduous at this point. The pass became narrow and the winds began to howl. We continued on paths that seemed to point to the skies. And then my gaze fell upon a sight that I still find hard to put into words. There was an ocean that was emerald green and shimmered like crystal. There were fields and vineyards overflowing with fruit that stretched as far as the eye could see.
I sat there in awe till I was brought back to reality. “Magnificent is it not?” asked the King. “Yes, Sire. Never in my life have I beheld a land of such beauty or abundance.”
