A Remaining Podeshire 1

Chapter 11 (Part 3)

"Excuse me, sire?" Gregory called out to Oliver.

Oliver turned to face him. "Yes?"

"I couldn't help but notice your attire," Gregory said, gesturing to Oliver's uniform. "What brings a city guard out here in the grasslands?"

Oliver knew he couldn't tell Gregory the real reason. "...Camping... I'm camping and... uhm... scouting the area to ensure that no one is lost and in danger like you," he answered with a falsified claim.

Gregory nodded. "Oh. I had no idea guards had such a busy schedule. I always thought they just stood in one place and... just stood and guard stuff," he stated.

"...Uhm... I... huh... I used to think the same thing. But as it turns out, there's more to being a guard than just standing motionless like a soulless block of ice," Oliver chuckled, trying to play along. Oliver then asked Gregory, "And what brings you out here all alone?"

     Gregory's face twisted into a frown as he closed his eyes halfway. He lowered his gaze to his lap and clasped his hands together. A trembling sigh escaped his lips, causing Oliver to feel worried and concerned.

"Greg... are you okay?" Oliver asked, noticing the sorrow in Gregory's glistening eyes.

"It's..." Gregory paused, his voice shaking with emotion. "It's just... so... tragic..." he murmured.

Oliver placed a warm, comforting hand on Gregory's shoulder. "I'm here for you, whatever it is," he said softly. "You don't have to face it alone." He insisted, "So... if you will... may you tell me what happened to such a gentleman like you...?

     Gregory closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. He narrates his memories, reliving the experiences as vivid flashbacks flash in his mind's eye. Meanwhile, Oliver listens attentively, his eyes fixed on Gregory's face.

     The memory takes Gregory back to that fateful night when he witnessed his dear friend, Oliver, trapped and helpless. Tears loaded in his eyes as he recalled the heart-wrenching scene. He had pleaded with his father, Cal, to let Oliver go—but to no avail. The weight of his failure had crushed him, leaving him devastated and grieving.

     When Oliver had escaped, Gregory dashed after his father, desperate to see whether his friend was safe. When he reached the door, he saw Oliver running away in the distance unharmed. A surge of relief flooded Gregory, and a smile spread across his face that reached his ears.

Gregory's face lit up with a grin as he cheered, "Go, Oli!" His voice was full of thrill and pride, watching Oliver hasten away.

     However, Gregory unknowingly triggered Cal with his words. And before he knew it, his father grabbed him by the collar. He felt his father's grip tighten as Cal pulled him closer with a piercing glare.

Cal raised his voice and yelled, "So, you're taking Podeshire's side now!?" His menacing stare bore into Gregory, making him feel like an ant.

     All Gregory could feel was a mix of fear and his father's intense anger. Cal then released his grip on his collar, letting him go. But it wasn't an act of mercy, for Cal's intention was more sinister.