Dawn of the Valiant (The Valerious Chronicles: Book One)

by Julian Saheed

"Married!" exclaimed Oswald, as he heard the news for the first time.

  "It still surprises me," continued Thibalt. Estallion sat off to the side in Oswald's small kitchen, chewing on a slice of pear with a mirthful smile on his face.

  "It seems you have accomplished more since leaving here than I have in a life time," observed the old farmer.

  "Not at all," said Thibalt. "Your ranch is famous throughout Feldom. Everywhere I have been they speak of Steelfist's horses."

  "But you have seen adventure," retorted Oswald. "And are a captain in the Feldonian army!"

  "I had some help," said Thibalt, motioning to Estallion.

  Estallion let out a small huff. "Do not jest, Thibalt. I was merely an innocent bystander who got mixed up in your mad adventures. Incidentally, I think I best go and see if I can't find that mother of mine. I have put off the inevitable for long enough."

  "I will come and find you later," called Thibalt.

  Estallion turned at the doorway and saluted Thibalt in as foolish a manner as possible. "Yes Captain!"

  "I hate it when he does that," said Thibalt sourly as Estallion shut the door behind him.

  "Nevertheless, you have made good friends," said Oswald, shifting the weight on his seat. "And Christill wishes to become a disciple?"

  Thibalt nodded. "He has his heart set on it. He will get his way. I have little doubt about that."

  "Hah!" cried Oswald. "One of my own sons a disciple. And of Nyrune at that. What is our world coming to?"

  Thibalt chuckled, realising that had he thought about Christill becoming a disciple of Nyrune a year back he would have struggled to control his laughter.

  They sat in silence and Thibalt, for the first time since becoming a captain, was able to relax in familiar surroundings. The peace did not last long though. His thoughts soon shifted to the letter sitting snugly in his vest. A spot from where it had not moved an inch since Errollan had given it to him.

  "It is short lived isn't it?" said Oswald, bringing Thibalt back to the present.

  "What is?"

  "The feeling of joy. These days it is so hard to keep," replied Oswald. "Seeing you again has made me a happy man, Thibalt. I only wish your brother could be here as well. I have had so little to keep me cheerful of late."

  "It is not only you," mentioned Thibalt. "The only thing that keeps me going is the knowledge that when I come home, Miera and my close friends will be waiting for me. It is a simple thing, but it keeps me content."

  "That is no simple thing, Son," said Oswald, causing Thibalt some surprise. He had never before addressed Thibalt in that fashion and it was the first real sign of acceptance from the old farmer. Thibalt smiled, hoping that Oswald realised what it meant to have heard those words from his true father.

  "What you have described is what makes life worth living," continued Oswald. "Family and friends are the only thing that you should be searching for. Money and glory are for the fools. I wasted my chance long ago and will be damned if I allow you to do the same. Make sure you remember that."

  Thibalt did not know how to react. Their conversations had never been so serious. "I will do my best," he quickly said.

  "I have seen so many families enter the city from the East. In these dire times, where it seems that hope has finally run out, I see many of their faces filled with gladness. Even though their city has been captured by the enemy, their homes and livelihoods destroyed by a savage army, they have not given up. And do you know why?"

  Thibalt, gripped by Oswald speech, shook his head without blinking.

  "Because they still have each other," Oswald answered. "Everyday more families come to me in search of shelter. And even though my stables are overcrowded to bursting, I put them up. I cannot bring myself to say no when I see their tired faces."

  "You are a good man," Thibalt said proudly. "An honourable man."

  Oswald turned away, now uncomfortable. He quickly stood up and began to act as though he had something to do in the kitchen, moving plates and mugs around. Thibalt watched him with a peaceful grin.

  "Well, when will I get to meet my new daughter?" asked Oswald after a short while.

  "You shall have to come to the capital with me. We have plenty of room in our new home," suggested Thibalt.

  Oswald let out a gloomy groan. "I may take you up on that sooner than later. Once Andron gets involved in the fighting I will have no place in this city. Guard Captain Falneren will take my horses for the army and I will be told to leave the farm so that it can be used as a training ground."

  "They cannot do that!" protested Thibalt. "The ranch and horses are your property."

  "They can and will, Thibalt," argued Oswald regretfully. "And who am I to say no. If my horses can help our men win this war then they will have done us a great honour. At this stage saving lives is more important to me than my assets."

  Thibalt was irritated that Oswald was willing to give in so easily, but also knew that he was right. Once the West became involved in the war, there would be no room for arguments, only swift action. His mind returned to the letter in his vest and his mood darkened. "Once I am done with my business here, I fear that you may be taking me up on that offer."

  "News from the King?" wondered Oswald.

  Thibalt nodded sadly. "I must meet with Duke Poleus. I have some distressing information to give him."

  Oswald nodded and let out a long and weary sigh.