"Defenders of the Realm. Chapter 4" by Derek ´Wiseman´ Bangay

The camp was still busy with activity when the three of them returned. Miles found out upon approaching Felix, that it was Billy who his friend was helping back. The recruit had a deep gash across his right thigh which was still bleeding badly when the two friends handed him over to one of the healers. Tired and bloody the boys trudged deep into the camp, trying to find seats around one of the many cooking fires. The light from the many fires lit up the camp as if it was daytime.

            Finding a nearly deserted fire the two began the daunting task of removing their layers of armour. Struggling with his shoulder guard Miles was reminded, in a painful way, of the troll’s mace. Bits of iron and rocks had managed to work their way into the deep wound during the battle. “You should go visit the healers before that closes up.” said Felix, catching a glimpse of the wound. “Well if I’m going then so are you” replied Miles, pointing out his friends bloody hair.

            After much argument the two, now free of their heavy armour, made their way towards the large white tents that housed the healers. Bickering as they usually did, the two failed to notice a man hurrying across the camp towards them. Entering the dimly lit tent the two took seats in the small waiting area. Within a few minutes both were taken in by healers, their wounds stitched and bandaged. Miles, having the deeper wound, was the last to escape the healer.

Upon returning to the waiting room Miles found his friend talking to an older man with short greying hair. I’ve seen him somewhere before, thought Miles as he approached the two. As he came closer Felix realized that his friend was finished with the healer. The older man, having noticed Felix’s diverted gaze, turned to face Miles. A busy grey moustache lined his upper lip as he smiled warmly in Miles’ direction. Realizing who the man was Miles raised his right hand to his heart in salute. This man was General Jack Timmins, leader of the armies of Melante. For a man of his rank to be seen in the soldiers healing tents was a surprise for Miles.

Standing rigid with his hand still held over his heart, Miles continued to wonder why the man was here. Returning the salute with a smile, Timmins said. “Evening captain. I trust your shoulder’s feeling better.” The expression on Miles’ face at the next moment caused Felix to break into fits of laughter. “We’ve been promoted you moron. All the way to captain!” Felix struggled to say while laughing. “But…how? And why?” stammered Miles. “Why you, my boys, are heroes” replied Timmins, stepping forward to take Miles’ hand in a firm handshake. “Not only did you two lead the attack that eventually defeated the trolls, you are also responsible for saving Prince Lee and the Guards.

Blinking Miles attempted to say something but the words were stuck in his throat. “Well, my boys, I’m off to a meeting with the prince. I trust I will see you both at the ceremony in two weeks time?” said Timmins, shaking their hands once again before departing through the tent’s flap into the night.

After General Timmins had left Miles once again found his voice. “What is the ceremony for Felix?” he asked quietly, still stunned by recent events. “You should know Miles. It’s the hero’s ceremony. If you’d use your head you’d remember when we were kids we went to General Timmins’ own ceremony.” replied Felix, a glint of excitement in his eye. “Does that mean…?” started Miles. “That’s right. We’re the heroes this time” interrupted Felix, a mischievous smile on his face. The colour drained from Miles’ face as he stumbled to a chair. Laughing Felix slapped his friend on the back, “Nerves getting you already?” Felix mused, taking a seat next to his friend. Quickly though the smile left his face and calmly Felix spoke to his dishevelled friend. “Listen Miles, we can’t turn this down. It’s not like they can just pass this honour on to another. This puts faith in the people, in their country… That’s what the general said anyways.”

Realizing that he was right Miles took a deep breathe and rose to his feet. “I suppose so.” He answered strenuously, a few moments later. “That’s the spirit,” said Felix stepping towards the flap of the tent. “It’s not everyday that you get to stay at the castle.” “The castle?” responded Miles with wide eyes. Laughing Felix grabbed his friend and pulled him out into the chilly evening air.