The Secret Kingdom

Chapter Four: On the Battlefield

Sir Killian returns to find his brother placing the battle plans in a secure satchel and preparing his horse, Marshall for the journey.

"Come along little brother," Liam says aloud, much to the embarrassment of said brother.

"Younger," is all the knight can say through his gritted teeth.

He then turns to the stables to get his ride.

The stable boy comes out as if on cue, guiding Killian's trusted steed, Caspian, by the reins. The mighty horse was jet black with a patch of white on his nose that Killian swore looked like some kind of bird and stood tall, one of the tallest horses in the entire army of knights. This height meant that he looked imposing and had very powerful legs, making the loyal companion very fast. Killian had chosen and raised Caspian since he was a colt and had named him after a very famous sea, that he wished to sail through one day. The two had a very strong bond with each other as well as mutual respect. They had ridden quests together and fought in many, many battles. Caspian was as brave but also as gentle as his master, never once becoming spooked or harming anyone from the kingdom. He was a kind soul that was too good for the kingdom he rode for.

With the help of the stable master and his son, Killian prepares the saddle, but not before providing his horse with an apple for his patience as they prepare to ride, towards yet another battle.

Liam waited patiently as his brother mounted his horse.

"Thank you, lad," Killian says politely.

"Yes, thank you," Liam chimes in, glad that his little brother reminded him that as a knight they must always be courteous to all. "Let's go, brother."

With a snap of the reins, the two brothers fly off through the castle gates and out into the forests.

Killian clings tightly to Caspian and ducks his head down low as he's had one too many experiences with having his head struck by low-hanging branches or being completely knocked off his horse.

While riding wasn't his favourite thing to do, it was very thrilling with the wind in his hair and adrenaline coursing through his whole body. The excitement of going at such high speeds cannot be understated by any knight.

The two knights follow the trodden and muddy trails of hundreds of soldiers, horses, and war equipment that mark their path forward. It was easy to know where the army had been considering how many times reinforcements were sent to keep the lines of the battle strong or when messengers came and went with news for the king. The unusual thing was, there were never any trails leading in the opposite direction.

King George would never retreat, even if his life depended on it. "Retreating is for fools," he would shout and then attack any knight who had suggested it, usually ending in that unfortunate soul's death. This led to neither Liam nor Killian even to suggest such a thing. "Never will I ever back down. I am strong and I will always push forward, never back! Forward is the path to victory! Backwards is the path to defeat!" And the man kept his promise, despite it costing thousands of knights their lives on the battlefield. It also helped that he never had reason to retreat. With Queen Cora and other mysterious allies, King George was always able to get an edge over his enemies, even if it wasn't technically a victory on their end. While it seemed inspiring to have this philosophy, this thinking never completely sat right with Sir Killian... it was maddening and frustrating to keep the king from making rash decisions because he wanted to move forward.

Eventually, the brothers see the tents of the army camp.

"Easy now boy," Killian says, gently pulling the reins to slow Caspian to a trot. The horse did so without much resistance.