“How are you feeling?” Gregory asked his wife. She faintly mumbled something to him. “From Grazehorn?” Gregory asked. She nodded. “If that is what you want my love, then that is what you will get. I will be back in about two hours.” Gregory said as he kissed her on the forehead. “No baby without me.” He said with a smile as he walked out the door. She lay on the bed very still, not saying a word. Gregory kept in a steady trot as he went to the neighboring town. He knew that his wife liked pumpkin pie, but he didn’t realize that this pregnancy would cause her to send him to the neighboring town at lease three times a week but he loved her and would have done anything for her. He would have crossed the country to get her a glass of water if it would make her happy.

            Gregory’s mind left his wife as he traveled down the long dirt road that led to Grazehorn. Visions of old battles flooded Gregory’s mind, he felt as if here were there again, sometimes he shook so hard the horse would buck. Gregory’s heart raced as he watched many of his old friends die again in his mind. He kicked the horse into a race as he tried to run out of the battle, but it seemed to keep resetting. He ran for what seemed like hours till the visions faded away into the distance. If it had not been for his wife he would have wished to have died on the field with his men. Only a handful remained and they were the same was, they were only shells of the men they once were. The peace was driving them mad, their idol minds kept bringing dead friends back to life and killing them over and over. The lack of battles made those deaths seem in vain, they died protecting a great kingdom that no longer exists outside the hearts of a few men.

            When Gregory returned to Hansby his house was swarmed with people. Excitement filled his heart at the thought of his new baby being born; the thoughts were quickly subsided with fear of another stillborn. Screams could be heard from the house as his wife delivered. Gregory moved his way threw the crowd to his front door, when he went to open the door it was locked.

“Evelyn it’s me, open the door!” He shouted. A midwife opened the door then closed it back and boarded it so the town remained outside. Gregory checked the door to make sure it was locked tight. When he turned around to see his wife fear took over him. Her skin had turned a very pale white, and her eyes had become dark and bloodshot. She did not look this frail through the first delivery. Three midwives rushed to keep everything in order. One kept putting a cool towel on Evelyn’s head.

 “She has a fever sir.” The lady told Gregory.

Gregory’s head filled with thoughts that upset him, ideas of having to raise the children on his own. He had been finding it hard to find time to be with his son yet raising him alone, and the idea of raising two would be more then he could take. He knew that most people who get fevers don’t make it, especially during labor. Tears rolled down his face as he watched Evelyn deliver his baby. Gregory thought about what she looked like before she was pregnant, her long brown hair that covered her shoulders. Her distinctively light brown eyes accented her hair and really stuck out on her fair skinned face. Her tiny body always fit well right up against his, she fit just under his shoulder. He remembered meeting her in Church and courting her around town, their first kiss, when they got married, the birth of James, and even the heartbreak of the miscarriage. Gregory’s life revolved around her, the thought of a life without her was unfathomable. Gregory watched as the baby was born, it was a boy. Gregory held Evelyn’s hand and whispered praise to her as she stopped screaming. He kissed her on the head, she was burning up. Evelyn smiled back at Gregory, her entire face lifted up as she looked at him. The midwives worked franticly to prepare the baby. Gregory wrapped his large arm around Evelyn and pulled her into him, he sat by her as the midwives presented the baby to them. Evelyn held the baby and nuzzled against it.

“Justin” She said as she stared at the baby then turned to Gregory. Gregory nodded in approval. They fell asleep in the bed; the baby crying woke Gregory up. His side was soaked in sweat from both of them. Gregory felt Evelyn’s head to see if she was still burning up, she was warm but not on fire like she was before. He nudged her so wake her up. The baby still cried, Gregory nudged Evelyn again. She would not wake. Gregory called in the midwives to see if they had given her something to keep her asleep. One of the ladies came in and checked her out, with a gasp she called in one of the other ladies to come get the baby. They walked Gregory out of the room.

“What is going on?” He asked as the ladies rushed into the room. The screaming of the baby was not silenced, nor was Gregory’s shouting.  After a short while one of the ladies came out and approached Gregory.

“ It appears the fever had gotten her. She must have passed less then an hour ago, that is why she was still warm. I will have one of the new mothers watch your son till he is able to eat solid foods. He will be kept in a dorm in the Church with her if you wish to visit.” She told him. Gregory dropped to his knees and dropped his head down. The midwife tried to comfort him but he would not have it. Gregory closed up into a shell that he intended to never leave for the rest of his life. James did not take the news well either. James handled things in the manor his father did, with a tight shell that covered his heart. Gregory visited Justin a few times but had a hard time accepting the child, he wished not to blame the child but he had the feeling in the back of his mind that he could not get rid of. Gregory worked out a deal with an old friend of his to take and raise James for a better life. Gregory was well known in the land and had many friends; some of his friends were of high power that would do almost anything for him. Arthur was a king with three boys of his own. Arthur had the ability to have James cared for and trained to be in his army. Gregory knew that James would have to fight, but that was the life Gregory loved and knew James would take to it as well. Gregory asked that James be place where he would have a name like his father. Where James could grow and be a great man. Arthur promised to treat the boy as his own and have him treated like royalty.

Posted 11/30/2009

“James, you are going on a trip.” Gregory told James with no emotion in his voice. James just stared at his father not fully understanding what was happening. “ Arthur here is a good friend of mine, he will watch after you, you will call him sir and respect him as you do me. Understand?” Gregory ordered the boy. James still stood in awe at the situation. “Do you understand me?” Gregory said starting to get agitated. James’ lip started to tremble at the thought of leaving his family. “Boy if you do not answer me.” Gregory started to say. Arthur coughed in disapproval. Gregory reached down and scooped the boy up. “James you are my son, and I know you will make me proud. I also know that you will always look up to me, which is why I must place you in more capable hands.” Gregory squeezed the boy. “Don’t forget about me or your mother, we will always be watching you. Gregory blurted out hold back tears. Gregory put the boy back down on his feet, and then pulled himself back in order, he shook Arthur’s hand and thanked him. Arthur put his hand on the boy’s back and led him to the carriage that he had arrived on. “James, how would you like to be a knight like your father?” He asked. James nodded in approval. “If you keep your wits about you and learn what is to be taught, I will see to it personally that you are awarded such an honor.” Arthur said as he helped the boy into the carriage.

Gregory returned to his now empty house. He grabbed a bottle and sat down at the table. He poured himself a drink and sat, he mind was blank and that was the way he liked it. Days passed and he only left his seat to get another bottle or relieve him self out back. He had a pile of papers sent to him from Arthur and Charles about his sons’ progress, they were letters that would not be read in the near future. Gregory stared at his bed from his seat and imagined Evelyn on her side of it; she did not speak only sat where he could see her. The thought of her kept his cold body alive, and his faith that one day he would see her again stopped him from doing himself in. Gregory dragged himself into church every Sunday yet no one would approach him. He sat in the back and prayed silently to himself through mass. After mass he would go see Charles. He was supposed to go to the monastery to check on his son but it always ended up he would just sit and have lunch with Charles. Gregory knew that Charles always cooked for two and never turned down an invite for a meal with an old friend. “Have you seen your son since he was born?” Charles finally asked. Gregory lowered his head, “I do not wish to blame the boy for the loss of Evelyn, but I fear that I will judge him if I try too soon. You tell me that he is healthy for now that will please me. When I am ready I will relieve you of this burden, till then I prey that you understand my hesitation.” Gregory said softly. “The glory of watching a child grow has never been a burden my friend. It is only the thought that the boy is missing out on his time with his father that wears me down. You’re a good man Gregory; the boy has the greatest opportunity in the world to learn morals. I prey that you will soon take your roll and enlighten the boy as God had intended.” Charles explained. Gregory was humbled by Charles words, but held his ground about the boy.

When Gregory left Charles went in to see the boy. Still an infant and small, far too young to hold his own without help. His hair was short and eyes a dark blue that almost came off black. He was very quiet for his age and seemed to always be looking around as if he were thinking or planning something. Charles would take the boy for walks around town and introduce him to the people every week. In less then two months as many people knew Justin as did know Gregory. Many of the women in the village would go visit Gregory and insist that he raise the boy right. Gregory was usually in his seat drinking, doing a masterful job of ignoring the women without offending them. One morning the large pile of letters by Gregory’s bed fell over startling him out of his bed. When he reached down to pile them back up he noticed a letter not from the king or the monastery. Gregory picked it up and read the large looping letters on the front. “To Gregory Godle: From Beth Henry.” It said. Beth Henry was Evelyn’s mother who had passed the same month they were married.

If the Fryer did his job then you should have received this on the fifth anniversary of your marriage. Judging by my health I will no longer be around to congratulate you but I wanted you all to know that I am proud of the man my daughter chose. I know that Gregory is a noble man in a knight’s body. I trust my grandchildren will live without fear and know God as well as any. Gregory is the perfect match for Evelyn for she is a bull herself, I know any child she raises will know how to make a stand, that is a force she was born with for neither I nor her father had a will like hers.

With my feeling about my children said, I have a gift for you and my grandchildren. I prey that with this gift you will explain who I was to them for I know they are as much of Gorge and I as any child can be. I feel they need to know their history. Charles the Fryer that married you has it in his personal living quarters. Farther directions will be with him.

Love,

 Beth and Gorge

Gregory was taken back by the letter, he had assumed that Evelyn’s parents did not like him since Beth had only addressed him a few times and the only time he had met Gorge was on his death bed. Gregory set down his glass then took the bottle back into the kitchen and placed it in the licker cabinet. Gregory then sat down on his side of the bed and read the other letters send to him.

Posted 11/ 8/2009

James had taken well to his new position with Arthur. He had learned out how to pack a horse and cook a meal for himself. He would get himself up in the morning and prepare for the day, some days he had to wake his new brothers who were older and help them get ready. He had learned to use a wood sword, they felt he was far too young for a real sword yet and he would fence with his brothers. Later in date, the letters became short. The king’s oldest son had become a leper. The topics changed from how James had been doing to how Charley had been doing. Towards the end of the letters Charley passed and Arthur said it might be a while till another letter is sent.

 The letters from Charles were not even about Justin. Charles commented that he gave a verbal update every week so instead of written documentation backing his word; he would send prayers that fit their conversation for the week.

That Sunday Gregory went to Church cleaned up and sober. He sang with the choir, and listened to the priest. After Church Gregory spent his time socializing with the people and getting to know everyone again. When he went to the monastery to see Charles he insisted that he saw Justin first. He stared at the boy for a long time before approaching him. Justin reminded Gregory of Evelyn, but Gregory did not hold it against him. Instead Gregory fell in love with his son accepting that he was the best of him and her. He held the boy and refused to put him down even when Justin started to cry. He bounced till Justin stopped crying then gave him back. He walked out of the room behind Charles with a smile on his face.

 “I don’t think I’ve seen you smile in almost a year.” Charles said.

 “I had not been myself for almost a year.” Gregory replied not letting up his smile. “Charles. I want you to train the boy when he is old enough to use a sword,” Gregory said.

 Charles knew better then to argue with Gregory for he was a rock when he made up his mind about something.

“I will start coming everyday till the boy is use to me. When he is ready I will take him home.” Gregory announced.

Charles’ face lit up. “Good, the boy needs his father. If you didn’t take him soon he’d start calling me daddy.” Charles commented holding back laughter.

Gregory spent as much time as he could with Justin as he could spare. The town suffered the lose of Gregory but they understood and supported him as much as they could. Justin was well educated for his age and had great hand eye coordination. When he turned six Gregory started giving him tasks that helped the boy become strong. Justin fetched twenty pales of water a day and chopped fire wood every week. The winters were always warm at the Godle house from all the wood they had. Gregory would play some of the training games with Justin to get him ready for the knight training that he was destine for. Justin was taught the bible and attended church with his father every Sunday. At ten Justin joined the church choir. At twelve Justin found himself a girl that caught his interest, but Justin was ignorant on woman, everything about them except that he was to respect and protect them.

“Father, how do I get a girl to notice me?” Justin asked. His eyes focused on his father’s face.

“Now that’s a new one. What girl has your eye son?” Gregory teased.

“Any,” Justin responded quickly.

Gregory knew that Justin was not one to beat around the bush; this sudden dodge of the real question was puzzling. Justin was taught to take everything straight on, during every conversation, Justin’s eyes reinforced that he was taught well.

“There are many ways to answer that question, but truthfully it is not in your best interest at this point. Graduate at the top of the academy and remember your manors, then you will have every girl’s attention. You’d have to do little more than just pick which one you wish to give your attention back to,” Gregory replied. “But don’t think just getting a girl’s attention means she is yours. When we get to that point, well have to have a longer conversation on the matter.”

Justin accepted this answer then went to bed. Justin needed to be well rested for the next day boot camp began.

Part of the Knight’s training required Justin to be in top condition for combat. Many of the trainees thought the bar had been set too high. Very few people have passed the physical fitness requirements in years, ever since one of the older soldiers was crushed under his armor and killed. The standards had been raised a little too high, but as a trainee neither Justin nor any of the other cadets could voice a valid argument.

            The first test the men were put through was a speed and endurance test. Justin and the others were to run the fifteen miles to the next town and get a letter from the training officer then run back within five hours. The running would be difficult on its own but the new requirements made the men wear full combat gear while they ran. A front soldier’s suit of armor weighed roughly seventy five pounds, making even a light jog difficult.

            After two hours, forty five of the seventy trainees gave up and went home. Justin was one of the first to reach the next town over. It took almost twenty minutes to find the training officer, since he decided to go get lunch instead of waiting at his post. All the trainees had caught up to Justin while he searched for the officer. They all left at the same time leaving them only two and a half hour to get back to qualify. All of the trainees were completely exhausted and trying to keep pace was more than some could handle, many walked. Justin pushed past his fatigue and kept a light jog. Justin returned with fifteen minutes to spare. His head pounded with his pulse as he continued to walk around, not letting his muscles lock up. Only two other trainees passed the deadline and only three more after the deadline returned. Justin and the qualifying trainees were sent home to rest for the next day’s trials. The few that did finish but too late were sent to collect the remainders that didn’t finish.

            The following day Justin still felt wore out and sore even though he had slept for what felt like days. Justin waited in the armory for the training officers and other two candidates; he watched the sun rise while he waited. After several minutes the other trainees showed up, they looked as beat as Justin. They stretched while they waited; Justin looked the other trainees over. Justin was younger and much smaller then the other two, but during the stretches he saw that he was much more limber, especially for how sore he was from the run yesterday.

            The training offices finally showed up almost an hour after the trainees. The officers dragged in large sacks of sand that they struggled to drag.

Posted 03/08/2010