War Won't Break Us

Chapter 1: The Old Oak Tree

*Alexander's P.O.V*

I sat by the old oak tree with my best friend Christopher by my side. It was late afternoon, the sun shining down baking the rough earth below it. We had been sat here all day talking and watching the world go by. Servants glared at us with jealousy as they passed. It isn't my fault that I'm the son of a Lord and I don't have to work!

Today was the last time I would see Christopher. His family is moving to the North tomorrow. His father didn't have a choice, the people are becoming restless. The King decided to move Christopher's father- Lord Trott- to the North to keep the peace.

I felt Christopher's head on my shoulder, I looked down at him, his dark brown hair covered his face. I carefully re-adjusted his hair so it didn't move every time he exhaled. He's small for an eleven year old, he looks even smaller when he's asleep. I'm average height for an eleven year old and Chris only reaches my shoulder. He shifts slightly in his sleep. I smile down at him I can feel his warm brown eyes stare at me through his closed eyelids.

I rest my head against the trunk of the tree. My eyes slip shut and I feel my consciousness leave me as I too drift into the land of sleep.

*Christopher's P.O.V*

My father has called me. I must go see him, the servant said that he has some new for me. I run up the spiral stairs to his quarters bumping into someone on the way, I feel no pain, that's odd. The servant huffs, picks up the tray he was carrying and carries on down the stairs.

I run down the many corridors of the Keep. Rounding the final corner I found myself outside the door to my fathers quarters, I was about to just walk in but I better not he might scold me for it. I better knock.
*knock knock knock*
"Enter" came the calm reply.
"You wanted me?" I ask quietly.
"Yes I need to talk to you son, sit down he instructed."
I took the seat opposite him, pushed my fringe from my face and looked at my father. I loved him, he was strong, calm, tall, loving, he was everything I wasn't.
"Son, I know this move to York is hard for you, being separated from you best friend is hard, trust me I know."
I just nodded, not knowing how to respond.
"I have talked to Lord Smith and we have decided that you can stay here with Alex."
My face lit up. I was so happy and excited! But then it struck me, what about my family?
"B-but what about you and mother?" I ask my voice trembling slightly.
"You will visit us every Sunday." My father replied his voice still calm.
"When do you leave?" I inquire.
"No-"
Is all I hear before my father is cut off and I'm brought back to consciousness. I stretch and open my eyes to see mine and Alex's mother waking us up.
"Come on Christopher sweetheart, it's time to go." My mother says sweetly her brown eyes meeting my own. I grumble and stand up. I take up after my mother the most, we have the same eyes, hair, nose you name it! The only facial feature I inherit from my father is my eyebrows. My mother bends down slightly and wipes the sleep from my eyes. (Yes even my mother is taller than me)
"Do we have to go?" I moan at her as myself and Alex are dragged back to the main keep.

**The next morning**

*Alexander's P.O.V*

We're standing on the steps bidding our dear friends goodbye. I can't believe Christopher is going! I can't believe he is leaving me! I won't be alone, I have Ross or Prince Ross I should say. But It won't be with same. I've been told I can visit next month when they're all settled! I can't wait!
Christopher walks up to me, the tears in his eyes are threatening to spill over and a lump rises in my throat. I hold my arms out and he flops into them. We wrap our arms round each other and just stand there hugging. The tears start to spill over, I can't hold back the tears anymore. He sobs into my shoulder, I cry into his hair. We stay like that for ten minutes whilst the rest of our families say their farewells. I lift my head and notice Ross out of the corner of my eye, I beckon him over and he too joins in on out huge sob-fest.

Eventually we're dragged apart, Chris gets into the carriage, he sits by the window. We just stare at each other. Our eyes both red from tears.

*Christopher's P.O.V*

I sit at the carriage window not quite knowing what to do with myself. The seats are lined with soft red velvet. The carriage is quite spacious, it looks small on the outside.

My eyes meet Alexander's, his gingery brown hair was so messy, he obviously didn't sleep well last night. His blue eyes were blood shot and red from tears. His usual cheeky grin was replaced my a small, sad smile. I promised I would write to him as soon as I get to York. The carriage jerked forwards, I looked to Alex, our eyes met , we didn't lose eye contact until it was impossible to see him. I slumped back in my seat, my father and mother were chatting excitedly.

I wanted to wake up, maybe this was just a dream! If only I could just wake up! I pinched myself: Pain. This was actually happening. I was leaving. I was going to York. And there was nothing I could do to stop it.