"Defenders of the Realm. Chapter 5" by Derek ´Wiseman´ Bangay

One week after the meeting with General Timmins, Miles and Felix found themselves on the road back to the castle. Having not officially been given their promotions yet, the two were still forced to march with their fellow soldiers. Miles has been relieved to here is but Felix had been somewhat annoyed at the hearing the news. “How come we, as captains, have to walk while the other captains ride?” complained Felix. “Well we aren’t really captains yet so you’d better watch yourself Felix.” Replied Miles, secretly thankful that they weren’t riding.

            Miles had spent the last week thinking about the recent events. ‘Why would they promote a recruit to the rank of captain after just one action?’ he’d thought. Afterall there must have been a better choice for the position then a couple of country boys turned soldiers. Miles had spent the night he’d been told of his new position alone, bundled up by their campfire while Felix went about, spreading the news of their promotion. By the following morning it seemed like the whole camp knew of their good luck. Shuttering, Miles remembered the uncomfortable feeling of so many people watching and talking to him. Felix on the other hand had taken every opportunity to recall the tale, the amounts of troll opposition increasing with every telling.

            Surprisingly when the attention got to be too much, Miles found himself visiting the healing tents, not with any particular goal in mind. Upon entering the first time he had come across Billy, his leg heavily bandaged but otherwise okay. The news of their promotion had apparently not yet reached the tents as Billy spoke to him to as an inferior, but as an equal. So this is where Miles found himself in the days following the battle. The young man, Miles had discovered, was from the country as well, not to far from Miles’ own home. Both had similar memories of their home, both also missing that life.

            A few days later, with Miles’ help, Billy left the tents and once again joined his fellow soldiers. Upon returning to his troupe there was a loud cheer and handshakes all around. “I think this celebration deserves a drink.” Said Billy, as he took a seat at the fire. Instantly the laughter and smiles faded as the troops turned to look at Miles. “What?” asked Billy, a look of concern on his face. Bending down, one soldier whispered something in Billy’s ear. As the man spoke the smile on Billy’s face slowly began to disappear. “Uh… congratulations on your promotion, sir.” He said to Miles, once the man was done whispering. Looking from Billy to the rest of the troupe around the fire he noticed the restrain they had taken in his presence. “Thanks,” replied Miles, “but that doesn’t mean anything. I’m still just a soldier like you guys.”

            Still the soldiers looked on hesitantly, apparently not convinced. The man who had whispered to Billy then stepped forward confidently. “I don’t care what you say captain,” the man sneered mockingly, “as far as I’m concerned your just another kiss ass. And I’ve got no patience for people who don’t earn their bars.” Behind him other members of the troupe nodded their heads in agreement. Angry at their treatment of him Miles spoke out, his tone evident of his mood. “It’s not my fault that they aren’t looking for idiots as captains.”

            The man, taken back for a moment at Miles’ response, raised his fists and charged at the young captain. Blocking the angry mans first punch, Miles didn’t notice the other first until it firmly connected with his jaw. Staggering back Miles brought his hands up to keep the fists at bay. Recollecting himself Miles sidestepped the big mans next punch and drove his knee into the man’s gut. Spinning Miles brought his left elbow down, striking the back of the doubled over man’s head. In an instant the fight was over. The big man was lying unconscious on the ground and Miles standing over him, his hand feeling his jaw where the man had hit him.

            “Anyone else have a complaint against my promotion?” Miles snapped angrily at the troops standing in shock around the two men. Seeing that no one was making a move Miles turned and stormed off in the direction of his fire.

            That night when he returned to his fire, Miles found Felix, surrounded by a group of soldiers, once again telling his tale. Angrily Miles stormed up to his friend pushing people out of the way as he went. Reaching Felix, he yelled, “Go be a showboat somewhere else!” The look of surprise was evident on Felix’s face as he looked up at his usually laidback friend. “Uh… ya sure Miles.” Replied Felix, as he stood and slowly walked away from the fire, the crowd of listeners close behind.

            Slumping to the ground, Miles leaned back against a log that had been placed near the fire. “Why did this have to happen?” Miles said to himself, staring blankly into the crackling fire. “I was perfectly happy as a simple soldier. No responsibility and nobody relying on me.” Picking up a nearby chunk of wood he tossed it into the fire, causing sparks to shoot into the air. “Hey! That was uncalled for,” came from a voice on the other side of the fire, followed by a figure coming out of the darkness. Brushing soot and bits of sand off his tunic Felix took a seat on the ground next to Miles.

            The crackling of the fire was the only sound as the two friends sat in silence, each thinking about the events of the last week. “You’ve been acting kind of strange since we talked to the General. What’s been bugging you?” asked Felix, concern heavy in his voice. He knows exactly what’s been “bugging” me, Miles though, refusing to even look at Felix. Seeing that his friend wasn’t going to respond, Felix continued. “We were part of a memorable thing, Miles. People across the country have heard the news, its not just here in the camp.”

            Pausing, Felix looked over at his friend, still silent an unmoving. Fingering the dice that hung around his neck, Felix sighed and began to lift himself to his feet. Breaking the silence, Miles spoke in a low voice, “Why Felix? Why would they patronize a couple of country boys like us? I don’t know about you but I don’t want this. I’d rather stay a simple soldier then have all my friends and fellow soldiers scared to even have me around because of this title.” He said wirily. Sitting back down Felix stared off into the night. “You know Miles; you at least are qualified for this rank. I, on the other hand, am only getting promoted because I was with you at the time. I feel kind of guilty that I was given this over Billy or another of the troops but whatever happens, happens for a reason. Or maybe with a little luck too.” He said with a wink to his friend. Laughing Miles rose to his feet. “You and your luck.” He said as he extended his had to Felix. Taking it Felix jumped to his feet. “I think we deserve a drink my friend,” he said, throwing his arm around Miles’ shoulders. “Hey, we’re not captains yet right?” he laughed at the questioning look on his friends face as the two friends walked off into the camp