Wilson cleared his throat. "Um..."
"Speak your mind."
"They have been beating us so soundly, their gear wagons haven't been able to keep pace with the speed of their advance."
The General nodded. "I am in agreement with your assessment." He smiled a thin, fierce smile. "Do you know why they are moving us back so quickly?"
"No, sir."
"Because I don't have any eyes in the sky. That is why." The General stood up as he said this. "Do you happen to know when I may?"
"No, sir."
The General shook his head with frustration.
"Why is it when I only asked for Wilson, you decided to come too?" he asked Aella sharply.
"Sir," she said, "Where he goes, I go. As a bonded pair, we have an obligation to protect each other from every threat." She raised her eyebrows at the General and continued, "Whatever that may be."
"Well," he said, "In this case, I am no threat." He pulled a small sheet of paper from the far corner of his desk. "Unfortunately, I have some bad news." He looked over at Wilson.
Wilson shifted uneasily. In his experience, the military had a nasty habit of understating things. Bad news could only mean something really bad. A heavy weight settled deep in his stomach. "What is it sir?" he asked.
The General cleared his throat. "I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news. It seems your mother has passed. You are requested at home for her service. It is to be in two days."
Wilson didn't move a muscle. Memories flooded through his mind. It had been three years since he had seen her last. It couldn't be, he thought. "Sir?" his voice cracked.
"I'm sorry. I really am. I want you to head out to her funeral. You are from the district of Xol, out in the Barony of Firsall. Is that correct?"
"Yes sir," Wilson answered. Stable ground there--easy questions that were simple yes or no answers.
"I want you to head out immediately. You can reach it in less than a day and a half. After the ceremony, I need you back right away. I'm giving you five days leave. Today is One, report back to me on Six. I have a pressing assignment I need your unit to handle. I am hoping by then I will have a proper flight of Rocs here from the Riders so I can win this war."
"I hope so as well, General," said Wilson.
The commander stood. "Good luck soldier. Return quickly. And may the Five ride with you."
"Sir," Wilson saluted. Aella followed suit.
As they exited the tent, Aella said, "I'm going with you."
Wilson shrugged. "Fine. Let's go get our horses and get on the road."
Aella looked over at him. "Wilson," she said. After a slight pause, "I'm sorry."
"So am I," he answered. "So am I."
The Black Oak Sword
Chapter 1: Part 1
Chapter 1: Part 2
Chapter 1: Part 3
Chapter 2: Part 1
Chapter 2: Part 2
Chapter 3:Part 1
Chapter 3:Part 2
Chapter 4:Part 1
© 2017, Stone Golem Publishing
**All pictures used are labeled for reuse. They come from Max Pixel
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