by Donald Davis
“Yes, I know. We’ve all been through a lot. And that is why I feel I must do this. I want to fight Braden so bad that I can hardly sit still. He manipulated me into working for him, then he secretly married Emilia behind my back and doesn’t even care now that she’s missing. There’s no possible way that I can let this go.”
Grayton studied Joshua for a moment. Then he looked between him and Terra. “I’m sorry that this happened to you. You two don’t deserve any of this, neither does Emilia. However, I’m not sure how I could help. I’m an old man whose extent of power resides in this small town of Keridion.”
“I know what I must do,” Joshua said. “It is my duty to take down Braden. But I have to admit, I don’t even know where to start with a rebellion. Without the actual crown to support me, I don’t know where to begin with gathering allies. I know that my father used to rely on you back when he was younger. Now, I ask for your help.”
Grayton sighed as he finished his second wine glass. “Well, first of all, the allies that you’re wanting would be the key to the whole thing. Without followers and fighting men, the rebellion would be over before you even put a dent in Braden’s army. Is there anyone that comes to mind that could help your cause?”
Joshua felt dumb since he hadn’t thought of her before. “Evalyn!” he exclaimed. “Maybe she could help.” Terra glanced over at him. “Joshua, I know you’re falling for this girl, but can she be trusted?” He looked back at her in an instant. “I’d trust her with my life.” He seemed so sure. His answer seemed so passionate and heartfelt that Terra was taken aback but then smiled. “Very well. I’m sure she would make a trusted ally.”
“I apologize, who’s Evalyn?” Grayton asked. Joshua looked from his mother to him. “She’s the daughter of Roland Braith, the leader of Yordenfall I mentioned before. Yordenfall is the biggest city in Asedith, with the highest population. If we can get them on our side, that would give us an advantage.”
“I see,” Grayton answered. “That would indeed be a great way to start your army. But will her father approve?”
“I spent a decent amount of time with him when I had a mission there. In fact, we saved each other’s lives at one point.”
“Well that’s a good way to earn trust,” Grayton chuckled as he filled his third glass. “Sounds like a start at least. But you’d need more. Even if all of Yordenfall joined you, you’d need more than that.”
“Wait,” Terra started. “It’s a long shot, but it just might work.” She looked at Joshua. “Long ago, your father had allies that helped him in times of need, to keep the peace in the land. Some of which sent men to fight in his army during the Sulvaine rebellion. They were smaller lords spread throughout Asedith, but most of them seemed loyal. Since you’re Tedric’s only son, perhaps they would be willing to help you retake the crown your father once wore?”
“I’m unsure,” said Joshua. “I don’t even know them. I’m not sure what I’d even say to them to make them understand. I doubt that they’d risk rebelling against the crown for someone they’ve never even met. Even if I am the son of Tedric.”
They sat quietly for a moment. “Well, perhaps I could go myself?” Terra asked. Joshua seemed unsure. “Mother, it’s too dangerous. If word got out about the rebellion, all it takes is for the wrong person to recognize you.” Terra seemed persistent. “But think about it, you said it yourself. The lords have never met you, but they have met me. It’s been a while now, but they’ll remember. And I guarantee you that I can convince most of them to join us.” Joshua thought about it for a moment. “Come on,” Terra proceeded. “If this works, they can add to your army and help build your cause. And from the way it sounds, we could use as many men as we can get.”
As much as he didn’t want to put her in harm’s way, Joshua knew that she was right. “Fine, very well. I’m appreciative of your help mother, really I am. Just please stay safe and be cautious when you travel.” Terra smiled at him. “Of course.”
Joshua then turned to Grayton. “Grayton I know you didn’t ask for this, but I need you. You were always loyal to my father and I know you would be loyal to me. I’ve grown a lot over time, but some of this is still very new to me. I could use help recruiting allies and building the army. It also wouldn’t hurt to have someone there for any possible insight.” He stood from his chair. “Grayton I want you to follow me. I would like you and my mother to be my two most trusted advisors.” Grayton contemplated, then quickly gulped down his third glass of wine. He then stood up and shook Joshua’s hand. “I’ll be glad to help in any way I can.” Joshua smiled. “Thank you.”
The three of them spent hours speaking of potential allies and strategies. Before the three of them went separate ways, Joshua wanted to be absolutely sure of the strategies and that everything would go according to plan. From keeping the rebellion a secret from public knowledge to persuading allies to join, to laying out where the different armies would meet to join into one larger army. Creating all of these strategies and trying to prepare for multiple journeys ended up taking several weeks by the time Joshua felt like they were prepared for any situation that they could be put in.
After the weeks had gone by, Joshua met with Grayton and Terra on the Keridion outskirts. They met on a hill in the distance that overlooked the town. “Grayton, you have everything taken care of for people to watch after the town while you’re gone?” Grayton nodded. “Yes, I have my most trusted people on the job. I have faith that they will not say a word to anyone about our situation. They’ll make sure that Keridion remains in order.”
“Good,” Joshua replied. He turned to Terra. “Mother, still no word from the king’s men?” She shook her head. “No, nothing. How strange that we’ve been gone for several weeks now and yet he hasn’t sent anyone out to search for us. Not to Keridion anyways.” Joshua agreed. “That is unusual. Perhaps he doesn’t suspect anything. Or perhaps we never even meant enough to him to begin with. Any word on Emilia?” Again, Terra shook her head. “Nothing I’m afraid. We’ve sent scouts out over the past few weeks, and they haven’t seen anything at all.” Joshua shook his head, worried about his sister. “Perhaps she is intentionally hiding. Maybe she purposefully escaped just to get away from Braden?” Terra tried to stay hopeful, but it was getting difficult. “Perhaps. Maybe time will tell.”
“All we can do is hope and keep trying,” Joshua replied. He then faced them both. “So, we now have our plans moving forward. We each have different locations that we are traveling to, so we must be cautious. Unless it is urgent or absolutely necessary, do not send any messengers or pigeons. Messengers can be robbed or bought off, while pigeons can get into the wrong hands or even be shot down if someone were to try. Stay cautious, be wise.” The two agreed. They were both proud of how far Joshua had come, both as a soldier and a leader.
“We all have our marks. Mother, you will be traveling to the various lords that father once knew. Grayton, you will be traveling to Treadrock. You will meet with Garron Trent and only him. Carefully explain our cause and that it is me who is seeking his aide. If need be, both of you feel free to explain to them the tragedies that Braden has bestowed upon our family and house. And as for me, I will be traveling to Yordenfall. I feel like I would be needed to convince Roland and Evalyn. Once we all get assistance and the men we need, we will gather our armies and join forces at Yordenfall.”
“Now, do both of you understand?” Terra and Grayton nodded. “Very well,” Joshua said. “This is where we set out. Let’s be on our way.” Then, at that moment, the three of them rode off on their horses. Each in a different direction.
Since Keridion was slightly further north than Roseshire, Joshua had to ride even longer to Yordenfall. This time, the trip took nine and a half days total. Joshua arrived at midday. He entered the city gates and looked all around him. It felt so refreshing for him to be back here. Something about Yordenfall just felt right.
Joshua immediately trotted to the leadership hall and walked to the main c
hamber. He found Roland sitting in a throne and speaking to citizens making appeals. He seemed bored out of his mind until he had spotted Joshua. A glimmer of light seemed to appear in his eyes. Roland stood up. “Sorry everyone, we are now out of time. Any and all appeals will have to wait until tomorrow.” The hall filled with complaints as usual, but Roland paid them no mind. He approached Joshua.
“Joshua! It’s been a while. How have you been?”
“I’ve been better, actually. But I’m alive.”
“Certainly. You look better than when you left. You seem to be at full strength once again. You had gotten better but I admit, you didn’t look like you were completely healed yet. So, what brings you to Yordenfall?”
Joshua looked around, to make sure that nobody was standing too close. Cautious. “About that, can we talk privately?”
“Of course,” responded Roland. “I’ll have my servant fetch some wine.”
The two of them retreated to a private room. It took Joshua a moment to realize that it was the same room that he had recovered in after the fight with the assassin. They walked in, sat at the table, and closed the door. Roland handed Joshua wine as he prepared to drink his own. “So what is it that you wanted to talk about my friend?”
Joshua didn’t want to hide around the facts any longer. “Roland, things have happened that have truly impacted me and my family. All of which have been caused by Braden Telvan, the king.” After this, Joshua told Roland about all the things that Braden was responsible for. “I see,” Roland said. “So why tell me this?”
“I think you know why Roland,” Joshua started. “I tell you this in confidence so that the wrong people won’t hear of it… I will be starting an open rebellion against the crown soon. And it would mean a lot to me if you would stand at my side. I could really use your help.”
Roland put both hands over his face and propped his elbows on the table. “I was afraid that was what you were getting to,” he said. “Joshua, this is bad. This is so bad.” He removed his hands and looked at Joshua. “I hope you realize that I consider you a good friend now. And you and Evalyn have bonded, for that I am grateful. I am also grateful that you saved my life, I will never forget that… But there is no possible way that I will help you with your rebellion.”
Chapter 20: Loyalty
Joshua felt a cloud of worry and disappointment storm over him. “What? What do you mean?” he asked. Roland looked at him almost with pity. “I’m sorry Joshua. It cannot happen. Do what you think is right, but I cannot help you with your task.” Joshua’s mind started racing. Roland and the support of Yordenfall would have been a large portion of his army. Without them, the plan was already falling apart.
“Roland, you know me well enough to know that I am honorable. That much is guaranteed. You said so yourself, we’ve saved each other’s lives before. Forgive me for being so forward, but I thought that you would have my back on this.”
“I apologize, but it cannot be. Believe me when I say that if it were entirely up to me, I would gladly lend support. But look at the position I’m in. The Braiths gained power in Yordenfall just a few short years ago. Before us, the leaders of Yordenfall were known as traitors. They willingly lent their support to the foreign invaders who attacked Asedith a decade ago. Ever since then, it has taken all that time and perhaps, even more, to convince everyone that Yordenfall and its people can be trusted once again. If we aided in your rebellion against the crown, all of the efforts that went into repairing Yordenfall’s reputation would be wasted. Everyone would once again think of us as traitors.”
Out of all the planning, Joshua hadn’t thought of this. He had thought of different ways to persuade the likes of Treadrock and other small lords but didn’t take time to think of Yordenfall. After what they had been through, he just assumed that they would come to his aide. He didn’t want to give in, but Roland did have valid points. “Roland, I understand your concern. But image if the rebellion is successful. I will obtain power and Yordenfall will be in good standing with the new king.”
“Yes, this is true.” Roland then leaned in closer to Joshua. “But what if the rebellion fails? House Braith will fall and be remembered as traitors. The citizens of Yordenfall will suffer even more than last time. If another leader turns traitor to the crown, Yordenfall may never be trusted again.”
“I understand, I do. But we will not fail. Roland, we need your support.”
Roland steadily shook his head with sadness. “Again I’m sorry Joshua, but I can’t. As much as I want to help, I’m the leader of Yordenfall. The people depend on me. It is my duty to protect and look after them first.”
Joshua nodded, trying to maintain dignity. He stood up. “Very well. I have no other choice but to respect your decision.” Roland stood up and shook his hand. Joshua proceeded towards the door when Roland stopped him. “Wait,” he said. “I cannot help you with the war that is to come. But I may be able to stall the king.” Joshua turned to him. “How so?”
“If this war of yours gets started, the king will immediately rally his support. He will call upon Yordenfall, but I will stall as much as possible. I will try to make excuses and delay my troops whenever I can. I can’t help your army, but I can indirectly harm the king’s army.”
This made Joshua feel a little better. “Thank you, Roland. Also, I do understand your situation. I know that it can’t be easy. Any and all help will be appreciated. Try to send less of your soldiers, delay them and your supplies, whatever you can do. I thank you, my friend.” They shook hands once again. With that, Joshua left the room. The meeting hadn’t gone at all how he expected, but it was possibly something he could work with. Even if he didn’t have Yordenfall fighting for him, at least Braden wouldn’t have them at full force either.
When Joshua left the room, he thought of Evalyn. Even though he had so much going on, the thought of her made him feel better. It was dark now, similar to the night that he and Evalyn had spent the night together. He proceeded towards her room and knocked on the door. “You may enter,” she called out. Joshua opened the door and walked in. Evalyn’s expression brightened. “Joshua!” she exclaimed. She ran to him and wrapped her arms around him. “You’ve returned, how have you been?”
“Believe it or not, even worse than when I was here last time.” He tried to laugh, but Evalyn only seemed concerned.
“Oh no, what’s happened?” Joshua explained to her everything that had happened since he left. “Joshua, I’m so sorry. I hope that you find your sister.”
“As do I. I apologize, by the way. I failed in getting the king to approve of our marriage. He wouldn’t even hear me out.”
“Don’t apologize. From the way you describe it, there was nothing you could do with someone like that. Are you sure that rebellion is the answer though?”
“It’s the only way that I know. Braden needs to be taken down. Everything that he has done to us, he deserves to pay. Besides, if I’m made king, I’ll have all the resources necessary to search for Emilia.”
“Very well. I’m sorry that we can’t spare any soldiers, but we can at least try our best to stall for the king’s aide as well. Just try to not let word get out too soon. As soon as Braden hears a whisper about a rebellion, he will call upon us. And there is only so long that we can stall.”
Joshua smiled at her. “Wow. Beautiful, kind, and clever? What more could someone ask for in a person?” They laughed as Joshua pulled her in for a kiss. They shared a few until Evalyn stopped. “Is something wrong?” Joshua asked. “No,” she answered. “But there is something you should know.” She grabbed Joshua’s hand and placed it on her stomach. She allowed him to feel how swollen she was. Joshua quickly realized what this was. His eyes widened as he looked to her. “Really?” he asked. She smiled. “Yes. I’m carrying your child.”
Chapter 21: New Hope
Joshua could scarcely believe what he was hearing. “Yes, yes, you’re going to be a father!” Evalyn kept telling him. He overwhelmed with joy and wrap
ped his arms around her, squeezing tight. “This is amazing,” he said. “We’re going to be parents.” He said. Evalyn grinned. “Yes, we are.” They shared another passionate kiss. “I must be honest, I wasn’t sure how you would take the news. I don’t know many men that would be happy to hear it.”
Joshua looked in her eyes. “As long as it’s with you, of course, I’d be happy.” They laughed and held each other for quite some time. After speaking of the situation, they sat down and continued their conversation. “Evalyn, that’s fantastic,” he said. “I’m sure that they will grow up and be successful. I just feel it.”
“I hope so too,” she said. “I’m glad that you’ve taken the news this well. I was worried that it would overwhelm you with as much as you’ve had going on lately.”
“No, this is great. In fact, just the inspiration I needed. Now I have something even greater to fight for. I will not lose. Then together, we will prosper once this is all over.”
Evalyn could only smile and be thankful. Joshua was the only person that she had ever met that she felt this way about. If there were ever a thing such as true love, she had found it in him.
“So,” Evalyn eventually said. “How about a little more inspiration? After the war is over and you win, let’s say we get married. But only after you win.”
They both grinned. “Well then, I guess I can’t lose.”
Joshua woke up the next morning, feeling like a new man. He decided to stay with Evalyn the previous night. After their previous conversation, they just stayed up speaking to each other until they eventually fell asleep. They got up the next morning and Joshua prepared for departure. The original plan was to gather the armies at Yordenfall, but since they would not be joining the rebellion, Joshua would have to rethink his strategy.
Joshua stood outside of the leadership hall, atop the stairs. Evalyn joined him to say goodbye. Joshua looked down at her belly. He gently put his hand on her and held it there. “I will be thinking about you,” he said. He then looked into Evalyn’s eyes. “And you too, of course.” They laughed and hugged one another. “Please. Please be careful.” Evalyn whispered in his ear. “Of course,” he said. “I have you to fight for.” They shared a long kiss goodbye, then Joshua left. Evalyn watched him walk away. He walked with a new sense of hope that he didn’t have before.
