The Realmsic Conquest: The Hero of Legend - Book 1 [2015 Watty Award Winner]

Chapter Fifty-Three

The night seemed longer than usual, and Maebus had spent most of it awake. He sat in an empty field not far from the cottage, staring up at the starry sky. The cottage was crowded, with every available empty space now occupied by a sleeping person.

So he left. He needed some time to himself to think. He hadn't realized the hours passing until he noticed the stars slowly dim, giving way to the morning light.

Today was the day. He and his soldiers would begin their march north to Centre Pointe. There, they would engage in the greatest battle of their lives. Maebus felt confident, yet frightened. Beyond this battle, there was no other plan, no elaborate strategy, no deceptive retreat. This was it, and as he mentioned to his men before, it was for all or nothing.

"There you are!" a voice called from the distance.

"We've been looking all over for you," Kelm said, walking through the tall grass toward Maebus. The sun was starting to peek just above the horizon, drenching Kelm's body in an amber glow.

"Why are you sitting out here alone?"

"I couldn't sleep," Maebus replied.

"Have you been out here the entire night?"

Maebus did not respond.

"You're worried about this battle, aren't you?"

"I had a dream last night ... about the battle." Maebus paused. "I dreamt I didn't make it, and I'm hoping it was not one of those prophetic dreams."

Kelm chuckled, "Maebus, you're not magical, so I doubt it was prophetic. I believe it's just your own subconscious stressing over this event ... as it should. We've come a long way, and everything boils down to this. But you've seen combat before, and you know how to protect yourself if in immediate danger."

"Actually, I'm not worried. Not like when we first began this journey. We were filled with fear and uncertainty. We faced the unknown but rose to the challenge, and somehow overcame every adversity as they arrived. We are stronger now, perhaps more than ever before."

"I'm glad you feel that way," Kelm said.

"And I'm glad to have you as my friend," Maebus replied, rising to his feet. "What you said to me at the Northwest River stuck for some time. I didn't want to admit it, but you were right. I was being selfish. Seeing our people reunited and working toward one common goal, I realized that hope is not my enemy after all. All this time, you've tried to advise me, tried to be my voice of reason. Out of ignorance ... perhaps even arrogance, I rejected your guidance. I never meant to offend you or make light of your beliefs, and I hope that in time, you will forgive me."

Kelm gave Maebus a huge hug, patting him on the back.

"Of course I do. You're my brother," Kelm stated.

"From another mother," Maebus jokingly added.

Both men stood in silent reflection, watching the Realmsic sun rise over the land.

"I don't mean to cut this short," Kelm said, "but the Council is awake, and our military is packed and ready to travel. Everyone's awaiting your marching order."

"Well," Maebus said, reaching to the ground to grab his battle helmet, "Let's not keep them waiting." 

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