Chapter 3

The King seemed to have no idea that almost the entire town had risen in revolt due to both the distance from his keep and that most of the remaining guards choosing to do so also. Those that did not were taken away and stripped of their armor and weapons that now were stored in an empty building.

“I do not understand your plan”

“Well we have all of these things and people that wish to see their children so this will allow a siege of the kings keep never to happen”

Jake and (former) Sir Adam discussed in a room filled with the have retired guards and other able bodied men and women. With time running out before the king would find out a plan had to be decided upon at this time. Adam proposed every man in the village armed and to attack while Jake thought of a plan required more cunning.

“First from firsthand experience while women may not be as strong they are still fighters and they can be archers. Where you not just telling me about the need of as many people as possible to fight?”

With his counter Sir Adam fell silent and some of the women in the back agreed in response. They quickly quieted down with stern looks from the other people present and the room returned to just the two of them talking.

“Jake we must come up with some idea of what to do and if you do not agree with my plan what is yours?”

Sir Adam was pleading with Jake, he also wanted to hear something that would both allow them to win and without many lives lost. As a man in his 50’s with the guards armor still on and the only hair on his head a beard he had seen what the world has to offer and has grown tired of it.

“Then let me ask you: What are the chances that the king knows the town is no longer his and if he does not how long until he does?”

Sir Adam rubbed his beard rubbed his beard while he thought over Jakes question and gave it real weight acting like an adviser.

“The King will most likely not find out until the next morning when the guards do not return to the keep”

“Well we should not make him fearful so the group of guards will return to the keep by nightfall”

Jake responded with a grin and the room grew in confusion. Sir Adam settled the room and urged him to continue.

“Sir Adam you will do your duty and return to the keep but the guards you bring will not be guards and there will be quite a large number after all the guards that man at the gate will most likely be very happy to hear that they will sleep tonight”

At first Sir Adam rose his hand to respond but dropped it and started to nod along with the rest of the room.

“Once the gate is open how many guards will be inside compared to our numbers?”

“Less. It will not even matter once the gates are opened with the shock of what is happening but I suggest if you agree that our men posing as guards who are not at the gate secure the armory and the outer guard’s quarters”

Jake agreed and Sir Adam and all the men in the room left leaving Jake looking at the map of the lands of the king. There was just the matter of the backup plan he felt was needed.

“I loved the TV show Rome, it had such a good story”

Finally leaving the wooden room the sun was setting but the town held a great noise as everyone was getting ready for all the things that could happen. Women were taking the children into their homes and barring the doors. While some men were staying behind over 200 were ready to march on the keep to overthrow the king.

Sir Adams sat on top of a brown horse with twenty fake guards behind him as they stood on the main road leading to the keep. Wanting to say some final words before he left Jake made his way past the groups. When he got near the people thanked him, some even called him lord but he assumed that was because he still wore his bath robe.

There was only a light breeze but it carried the smells of cooked food for children while the rest decide their actions were better done without food eaten. When Jake was close Sir Adam saw him he started to dismounted but Jake stopped him.

“There is no need in fact I like you better up there, forgive if I am wrong but do guards normally ride horses? I have not seen anyone besides you on one”

Sir Adam chucked for the first time and got off his horse to face Jake directly at an even height.

“No guard is allowed to ride a horse because if they did the King said they would be above him”

Looking around to the fake guard squad who some with actually former guards but revolted like Sir Adam nodded in agreement.

“Quite a King indeed, then it becomes an increasing less surprise what has happened but why did it not happen sooner?”

“Almost everyone wanted change but were to afraid of what would happen to them or their children, they needed a spark and then came you. Now a great fire is in each person hearts leading them to what I think also is a better future”

Jake smiled, happy to have done so much and knowing after tonight they would no King. Standing there Jake was waiting for Sir Adam to begin but nothing was happening. Hundreds of people just standing there in near silence as they waited for a command.

“Sir Adam When will you be giving the command to start?”

“As soon as you tell me to my Lord”

Jake backed up from where he was standing, he did not want the burden of looking over half a thousand people or more. Seeing him speechless Sir Adam knelt before Jake and in turned all the guards then the other men in turn.

“Over and over again I was asked by people who you were and if you were going to become our new King. They had such hope my answer would be yes and as you can see it is a view shared by all. So even if you have no experience or come form no noble line these people want someone who gives them hope.”

Hundreds now waited for Jake to give his answer but at this point there was only one answer to give. As the fires burned, the people silent, and the wind blew the people waited it was time.

“I will rule you but not without advice from others and I will be no king because this town has for far too long lived under the shadow of a King”

People rose up in cheer as they were now in the sight of their new ruler and while rising Sir Adams waved his waved bring a boy with a sword and shield in his hands.

“My Lord these are for you”

Turning to his side Jake say the boy with a wide smile but also slightly worried and rubbed his head before grabbing the things out of his hand.

“You will save my sister right?”

“That’s why we are here, to save your sister and everyone else, now go back to your family”

The boy backed up and rejoined the others watching. Deciding that there was no way out of this Jake looked over his sword. He saw his reflection in it and admired the work.

By the morning I won’t be able to see myself

“Sir Adam”

“Yes my Lord?”

“You know what you have to do”

“Then I will be on my way at once”

Bringing the boy back over again Sir Adams handed him the reins of his horse and began the march of his fake squad of guards. Jake walked in front of the 200 mass of men.

“Now let us also march, then when the time is right and Sir Adam gives a signal we attack!”

Men walked behind him and horses rode out behind him and night began.