Chapter 2

Ignoring that call to arms was for the best is what I told myself as I watched the young'uns from the village approach and take gander, the fervour within them after reading it almost manifesting in a true form as they become enamoured by the idea of becoming one of the Barons men.

The commission is the only thing they are thinking about as this becomes an opportunity to raise their position in life and maybe bring their family some prestige.

But how could the world be that simple, I don't see myself as a learned man I know where my limitations lie, I have no skill with weaponry that will set myself above any other my father taught me how to throw javelin and swing a sword from his time in the militia but that is as far as my skill goes. I am not under the illusion that in a battle of hundreds my skills would make a difference in fact I believe it would be a hindrance to those beside me, all I want is to tend my barley field, maybe meet me a nice girl and live a peaceful life without lifting a sword or spear in my life.

A few days later a group of men arrived clad in the Barons colours with his sigil of a horse with a mane of fire on the pommel of their swords. The only reason I could see these men being here was to collect the young simpletons who fell for the announcement and bring them into the hold to be tested. Men old and young stepped out making their intentions known to the Barons men who looked them up and down making sure no cripples or women get through the selection process. At this point I have lost interest in this and turned round to leave not before catching a glimpse at a face of one of the barons men, he was elderly not so old to take him out of commission but still getting up there, his face had what can only be described as loss on it like he was at conflict with his actions, I didn't care to look any longer and went about my own business of tending the land and making it ready for the next crop.

Life went like this for a week longer before I was awoke to a smell and sight that would make me realise why that man looked so conflicted and made me wish, I was a simpleton like the others.