Part 1

Henry sat near the fire in the center of their small camp. Kyburn and five soldiers busied themselves with other things as he cooked a fish he had caught from a stream. They had just returned from hunting and they skinned three rabbits as he struggled to not burn his fish.

As if on cue, Kyburn looked up and stared at the fish, “It’s going to burn. Take it off.” he advised. “Salt it and it will taste fine.”

“Alright, alright,” Henry mumbled, feeling inadequate.

Biting into the soft flesh, Henry was surprised to enjoy the small fish. He offered part of it to Kyburn but he politely refused.

“I’ll wait for this rabbit,” he said while skinning the second one he caught. “Rabbit stew is what I long for now that I have it in my hands.”

“Suit yourself.” Henry shrugged as he hauled the last piece of fish. “I can still have some of your rabbit stew though… right?” he worried that by eating the fish Kyburn would keep the stew to himself and the five soldiers.

Kyburn chuckled over his shoulder, “Yes, Henry. You can have some of the stew.”

Light shown through the trees giving off a glare from the sun on the horizon, each ray of sun looked like light beams stretching to the ground. Henry took a moment to capture the scene for later.

“Shh!” two guards shushed anyone who made noise, causing the whole group to drop what they were doing and crouch to the ground, ready for an attack. Henry didn’t hear anything but copied them in crouching, listening for danger. A moment later he heard horses and they drew nearer.

Kyburn dropped his rabbit, in the middle of skinning it, and went for his sword silently. Henry grabbed his knife on the log he sat on earlier and the rest of the men drew their swords, quietly and slowly.

Through the trees, Henry spotted several horsemen, when suddenly they stopped, noticing their fire. “Who goes there?” a voice shouted.

“Kyburn of Zulin!” he responded. “State your name!” Kyburn shouted back.

“Kyburn!” a familiar voice responded. “It’s me, Erik!” a horse broke away from the small party and drew closer.

Henry got a good look at him and nodded to Kyburn. “It’s him.”

“You startled us, king,” Kyburn yelled. “We didn’t expect you to catch up to us so soon.” relaxing and sheathing his sword.

“My apologies friends,” Erik said, trotting up to them with three guards on his heel.

“Please. Join us.” Kyburn offered. Everyone visibly relaxed and went back to their business.

“Don’t mind if I do, my ass is sore from riding. I could use a break.” Erik mumbled.

“Sit here, sire.” Henry pointed to a log close to the fire. “Lord Kyburn is skinning some rabbits and making stew. Would you care for some?”

“I’d love some rabbit stew.” Erik grinned. “Thank you for the kind offer.”

“Don’t mention it.” Kyburn huffed.

“Tell my lord, Kyburn.” Erik addressed him. “What did you do after the war? I’ve heard many stories of your valor and skill in battle but I’ve never heard the tale of after.”

Kyburn shifted from one knee, still crouching. “There’s not much to tell really. King Xerath gifted me Zulin and I’ve been lord ever since, governing the town.”

“Wife? Children?” Erik asked. “A handsome man like you, I bet all the ladies lined up to get a shot at you.”

“I’m afraid not.” Kyburn turned solemn. “You wouldn’t understand.”

“Not keen on chatting are you?” Erik noticed. “I meant no offense.”

“Can you tell us stories of the war?” Henry asked. “I’ve only heard what happened, not how it happened. How bout when you saved the king's life?”

“Alright.” Kyburn sighed, handing over the rabbits for someone else to skin. “Xerath wasn’t king at the time. He was still a prince. His father wanted him to experience war so he sent him to deal with the Kligirian armies.”

Henry listened intently, occasionally taking mental notes of details.

“He was arrogant and wouldn’t listen to his advisors, wanting to prove his worth. In doing so, he allowed Armin to faint him into overcommitting in the battle at Yidor. It seemed we had overcome the Kligiarn forces but we soon realized the mistake.” Kyburn wiped away the sweat from his forehead. “King Armin had pulled his main force back and encircled us from the forest. No one was aware of the army hiding in the woods and no scouts were sent in search of danger beforehand which was another mistake Xerath made. However, even with the tactical advantage, we outnumbered the Kligirans ten to one. We took heavy losses in the result but we were winning.”

Erik frowned, which Henry guessed he already knew the story and knew what was about to happen.

“Armin, in a last-ditch effort, drove his remaining forces straight for Xerath, who believed he was safe behind his men. They cut through the lines, determined to cut the head off the snake but I had seen it coming and I had brought a small force in which I was in command from their flank.” Kyburn continued the story, the memory wasn’t a fond one and Henry began to regret asking because of the look Kyburn gave him. “The line had collapsed and Xerath was vulnerable, Armin pushed through with a dozen men when I arrived with my men. By this point, everyone was bloody and wounded many times but we faced off, for we knew if Armin killed us, Xerath would be finished.”

“How many of your men faced off Armin?” Henry asked, lowering his voice.

“I had three men left with me against Armin’s eleven. We fought and fought but every last one of my men were cut down before me. When I stood alone against Armin himself and four more Kligirian’s I knew I would die but I held my ground. I spared off with Armin and his men poked away at me, wildling my strength but Xerath charged in, unwilling to watch me die. His horse had been slain, so he attacked on foot, taking Armin and two soldier’s attention away from me.”

“How did you beat them if you were wounded?” Henry asked.

“I drew every last bit of strength I had and cut two more down and before they could kill Xerath, I stabbed two in the back, which left Armin. Stabbing his men in the back distracted him enough for Xerath to slay him.”

The small camp was silent after Kyburn finished his story. “And that’s what happened. I am not proud of what I did. I think if someone is to kill someone, you look them in the eye to do it.”

“I always thought you killed Armin.” Henry stated in confusion.

“That’s how the story goes as Xerath tells it,” Kyburn explained. “I suppose, in gratitude for laying my life down to save him, he gave me the honor of slaying the king. And then gave me the title of lord and gifted me Zulin, as I said earlier.”

“Is that why Xerath treats you with such respect then?” Henry continued to probe for information.

“I suppose,” Kyburn replied. “Other things may have been taken into account.”

“Like what?” Henry persisted.

Kyburn sighed and looked up at him. “I stopped him from doing something he would have regretted.”

“What did you-” Henry started.

“Enough, Henry.” Kyburn frowned. “I’ve said enough.”

“Sorry.” Henry looked down at the ground, feeling bad for pushing.

“If I may intrude on your conversation, I have a question.” Erik tilted his head.

Kyburn nodded for him to ask his question, waiting for what Erik had to say.

“I was only a boy at the time, even as king now, I never understood why the Kligirian’s never surrendered. We had beaten them, taking over half their lands but yet, they fought to the last man until we reached their capital. My question is, Kyburn, you were there, why did they not surrender?”

“I ask myself that question often.” Kyburn replied. “We gave them many chances to surrender but none were ever taken. We sent messengers, hawks, crows, pigeons, nothing came back. They refused to surrender.”

“I see.” Erik frowned. “At which point was this?

“Before our battle in Yidor and then many times after king Armin had been slain. Queen Brinna never responded to our letters, and when one of our messengers was killed and never returned, we gave up on the idea and killed everyone in our way.”

“What became of their son, prince Zegren? Erik asked.

Kyburn shifted uncomfortably on his log, looking uneasy. “He was executed.” he looked down at the ground, clearly ashamed.

“What!” Henry nearly yelled. “Why would you kill him? He was just a child.”

Looking to Kyburn, who seemed to regret the events all those years ago, then to Henry whose face seemed to be turning red in anger or disappointment in his lord or both, Erik spoke up.

“You were afraid he would grow up and start another war. To avenge his parents weren’t you?” Erik asked Kyburn, who gazed at him when he spoke.

“Yes,” Kyburn said softly.

Henry started to twitch his foot, anger rising in him, face growing hot.

“So to prevent more bloodshed, you removed the Kligirian’s hope for their future and hit them where it hurt to prevent them from ever rising up again. By severing the royal line, you beat them soundly and where it hurt, their pride and honor.”

Kyburn narrowed his eyes at the king, judging where he was going with this. “Yes.”

Henry’s anger turned to disheartened frowns. Clearly judging Kyburn for his actions. Erik felt for the boy, seeing his idol, his mentor, father, seem so cruel.

“Did you kill him?” Henry asked, his voice low and unsteady. His emotions were rising and logic quickly diminishing.

“It was not my decision but I carried out the sentence,” Kyburn said, his face saddened.

Henry’s jaw dropped but said nothing, a tear fell from his watering eyes.

“Henry.” Erik addressed him. “As cruel as it sounds, it was the right move. Imagine what would be happening today if Zegren had been spared? How many lives would be lost in more war and death?” Erik, defending Kyburn’s actions.

“I know what you are saying but neither one of you knows that would have been the outcome,” Henry said.

“Leaders are under an enormous amount of pressure. Xerath acted in his people’s best interest.” Erik explained. “He chose to save thousands, for the life of one.”

“I realize that,” Henry said, standing to his feet. “But it doesn’t make it right.” he stormed off into the woods, leaving them by the campfire.

Kyburn raised an eyebrow at Erik, “You had to ask.”

“I was curious. I assumed Zegren had died but now I know the truth.” Erik shrugged.

Kyburn sighed heavily then stood, following after Henry. “I’ll go talk to him.”

Henry leaned against a large tree, pondering what had transpired. He always knew Kyburn had a past of killing but not like this. Killing a child for a king, in order to save lives later, the argument repeated in his head, going in circles.

Kyburn’s footsteps neared and he stopped to paces from him, unsure what to say to the boy.

“I’m not angry,” Henry said. “I’m just…” he trailed off.

“Disappointed?” Kyburn finished for him. “I’m not proud of my past, Henry. I’ve made many mistakes and I have to live with them.”

“It was war. I get it. I don’t understand it, but I get it.” Henry tried to explain. “You have to do what you have to do and if Xerath ordered it, then you had to.”

“Yes. Well, I still regret it.” Kyburn said, his face had a strange expression not one of sorrow or sadness but rather, appreciation.

“I’m sorry I got angry.” Henry turned and hugged Kyburn.

“And I understand your disappointment.” Kyburn acknowledged.

They hugged for nearly a minute when Kyburn pulled away, looking down at the young boy and admiring his strength and understanding, even if he didn’t agree. Kyburn knew he looked up to him and that had been the main issue.

“It’s alright.” Kyburn reassured him. “Let’s get those rabbits cooking, shall we?”

Part 2

They left their small camp before the sun had fully risen. Henry had enjoyed the rabbit stew so much, it itched at him to have more. He craved the delicious salty creamy soup with bits of tender rabbit meat. It went perfect with bread, which Erik had offered them in exchange for letting him partake in the precious stew. They all had consumed the stew, asking for seconds and thirds and still wanting more but quickly ran out. Whatever problems and issues anyone had, they slept soundly that night with bellies full of exquisite tasting food.

Breakfast had been a pale comparison to the night before. Hard-boiled eggs without salt. They had used the last of their salt with the rabbit but it had been worth it, though Henry was slightly grumpy from his stomach growling.

Their group consisted of a prominent lord and the king of Vulkira, which turned heads at passerby. Learning more of Kyburn’s past only made him admire him even more for his bravery and sacrifice. Though Kyburn hadn’t said it, Henry knew those men that gave their lives to save Xerath on that hill had all been friends of Kyburn. He could only imagine the enormous amount of guilt and pain leading men to their deaths. Maybe that is why Kyburn took pride in settling down in Zulin and living a comfortable life. Perhaps for his fallen comrades and for himself, he lived for them all and honored their memories.

Doubts and worries gnawed at the back of Henry’s mind. A dark secret that Kyburn had been hiding for years had surfaced and he was grateful for his lord’s honesty. On one side, Henry couldn’t excuse his actions, even if it was for the greater good and to bring a lasting peace. Killing a child, in many ways, was nothing more than wrong. On the opposite end, Kyburn killed the prince of Kligira to save lives and was obeying orders. He sacrificed his conscience in order to protect his country from further threats. Right or wrong, Kyburn did what he thought was right.

Henry found it hard to accept that the man he grew up admiring his entire life, had killed a baby. It was as if he found out his own father was a murderer. The arguments repeated in his mind constantly, distracting him from the ride.

Riding for days made Henry groan in pain as his backside grew more and more uncomfortable by the minute. His mind had quickly forgotten troubles and focused on his backside. His ass was so sore he thought it would fall off. Henry’s attention snapped up with Kyburn’s hand shooting up, commanding them to stop and stay silent.

A rush of adrenalin shot through his body, waiting in anticipation for something to jump out at them, but nothing came. They stood there for several tense moments when rustling from behind them alerted them of approaching footsteps.

Everyone whipped their heads and horses around to ten men in ragged clothing charging at them. Kyburn and his men urged their horses forward to confront them, shouting orders.

“Bandits!” Erik shouted, pulling his blue-tinted sword from his scabbard and following suit.

Henry pulled his dagger from his hip but wasn’t experienced enough to charge in after them so he hesitated behind Erik. The little training he had was almost none existent. One day of sparing and close combat training with Kyburn in Calchester wasn’t nearly enough time to boost his confidence in himself.

Suddenly, two men from his right burst from the forest, heading straight for him, daggers drawn. In an instant they were upon him, giving him no time to react. They had snuck upon them from the side while their attention was elsewhere.

As they approached, Henry turned and swung at the first man, but swiped air as he ducked under the knife. The bandit leapt up and grabbed his shirt and belt and heaved him off the horse. Henry crashed to the ground, knocking the wind out of him, bandit crouched on top of him. A glint of steel flickered in the rays of sun and Henry knew the man on top of him was about to stab him. He blocked the thrust with a knee to the man’s elbow and yelled as he shoved his own knife into the man’s throat.

Blood sprayed everywhere, in seconds, he was soaked. He pushed the body off but was met immediately by another bandit who swung a dagger at his throat. Henry dodged the swing by dropping back to the ground, missing him by an inch. The bandit instantaneously lunged for another attack but Henry rolled, the knife sinking into the ground where he had been a moment earlier.

Henry had no time to think but merely reacted, keeping as much distance as he could from the dirty looking man. His clothes were torn and his body was filthy, possibly due to long periods of isolation from society. Bandits and thieves had become a rarity, so to see one was a shock of its own.

Inexperienced and scared to the bone, Henry scrambled to his feet, readying himself for another attack, to either defend or flee. Shouting and screaming came from his left but he ignored the sounds and kept his attention on the man before him, remembering Kyburns training.

Swiftly rolling to his feet, the bandit charged him, screaming at the top of his lungs. The man looked completely unhinged and insane but Henry reacted by ducking to the right and sidestepping to the left. In the same awkward move, Henry swung the knife catching the bandit’s face, digging out a long gash across the face.

Enraged, the man swiped at Henry’s stomach, which he jumped backward, kicking his feet from the ground in the effort. He felt a twinge of pain near his rib but ignored it and dodged backward again, as another swipe of the cold steel threatened to open his guts.

Thrusting forward, the bandit left himself open, which Henry took awkwardly but managed to pull it off. He sidestepped, grabbing his hand and lifted his left elbow to his face and slammed it into his nose but the blow wasn’t hard enough. The bandit retaliated, one arm in Henry’s armpit, he brought up his left fist and landed a blow to Henry’s jaw, which knocked him backward. The force of the hit nearly caused him to tumble over but he caught himself and backed away, regrouping his thoughts.

The bandits nose was bleeding profusely but his eyes were on fire with a berserk gaze. Once again he charged forward, screaming and pummeled Henry over, knocking the breath out of him. As the bandit charged into him, Henry brought his own knife down into his back but seemed to do nothing to hinder the crazed man.

They hit the ground hard and Henry lost his grip on the knife, leaving it in the bandit's back. Kneeling over him, the bandit brought his entire body up for a final blow and Henry knew he couldn’t stop it. He brought his arms up in a feeble attempt to block the attack as terror struck him.

Suddenly a horse overhead flew past him and decapitated the bandit kneeling over him. Henry watched as the head flew through the air ten feet, flipped and spun, spraying more blood everywhere. The body of the bandit slumped and fell on top of him, drenching him in more blood.

Eyes wide in shock, Henry looked in horror at the sight. It seemed unreal but the warm body atop him still felt alive, which terrified him. An instant later the dead bandit was shoved off him to reveal Kyburn, saying something but Henry couldn’t hear him, his ears seemed to ring.

A hand on his shoulder shook him but he barely noticed. His gaze was locked on the headless body. Veins spurted blood and the spine could be seen, the body still twitched and convulsed as if it were still alive.

“Henry!” Kyburn shook him. “Are you alright?”

Henry shivered, realizing he had killed a man for the first time. Turning to the man he had stabbed in the neck, who still shook, grasping at his throat, fighting for air. One of Erik’s guards approached and finished him off, ending his suffering with a stab to the heart.

“Henry!” Kyburn shouted again. “Look at me son!”

“I-I’m alri-alright.” Henry stuttered in shock.

“Check his side.” Erik pulled up with his horse and pointed at Henry’s rib but he was covered in blood but his shirt was torn.

Kyburn placed his hand gently over the tear in his shirt but came away with his hand covered in red. Henry started to panic, thinking he was going to die but the blood wasn’t his. In a fit of fear and shock, Henry shivered and looked to Kyburn, as if pleading for help.

“Let me see,” Kyburn said calmly. “Calm down,” he said as Henry’s hands scrambled over his stomach trying to get a look.

Henry scrambled to lift his shirt to expose his chest. A small cut barely an inch wide trickled down his ribs. “Am I going to die?” he asked, still in shock.

“No.” Kyburn chuckled. “It’s just a scratch but let me clean it.”

Kyburn snapped his fingers and a soldier instantly handed him a first aid bag. The bag was full of gauze and other remedies for wounds.

“Take your shirt off, it’s soaked,” he ordered softly. Kyburn quickly pulled out bandages and cleaned the wound then left gauze over it, sticking it in place by wrapping it around Henry once.

“There. You’ll be fine.” Kyburn reassured him.

“I killed him.” Henry said blankly.

“You were defending yourself. Don’t feel guilty Henry. That man gave you no choice.” Erik said soothingly, knowing Henry would feel guilt for it.

“Erik’s right,” Kyburn added. “He was an evil man,” he said convincingly.

“Right.” Henry whispered. “Defending myself.” he repeated after them, in a drunken like stupor.

Kyburn noticed their support wasn’t helping. He quickly turned to a different tactic. “Henry. I was going to wait to tell you but I have a surprise for you in Xerixes.”

“You do?” Henry’s voice sounded interested but still dull with shock.

“Indeed. We’ll have to get there for you to find out.” Kyburn said. “I know you’ll like it. Just a couple more days and you’ll see.”

“Okay.” Henry stood up, walking toward his horse, trying to calm himself. “I’ll just put another shirt on then,” he mumbled.

Everyone looked at him, still worried for the boy. It brought back their own memories of killing their first human… it would always stick with you.

“Take it easy, Henry,” Erik said. “You’re in shock. Take a moment to relax.”

“Here.” a soldier to Henry’s right offered. “Take this. It’s water and dried meat.”

“Sit down for a minute.” Kyburn walked up behind him. “You’re alright. You did good, Henry.”

“Really?” Henry looked up at him, looking pale. “I thought I was going to die. I was so scared.” he almost whimpered.

“You kept calm and fought well, son.” Kyburn encouraged. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there sooner. If I had known they had come from behind us, I would have protected you.”

“I did what you taught me,” Henry muttered. “You’re training saved me. I hope I made you proud.”

At the time, Henry didn’t notice the look of sadness coming over Kyburn’s face. He didn’t realize that Kyburn was frightened, he himself was shaking at the close call. Kyburn would’ve never admitted the terror he felt at the idea of almost losing Henry.

“You did, son. You made me proud.” Kyburn calmly said, pulling Henry into his chest and hugging him.