The Will Of The Kings.

Chapter 18, Rise of the Dalon Part 5.

Seeing them approaching, William recognised the moment had arrived and took Vallessa to one side. He was prepared for the forthcoming outburst, but that was of little concern. Knowing that Vallessa would be safe, his thoughts turned to Balor. It seemed he was ceaselessly striving to uphold his oath as a warden while giving his all for his family. The others watched from a distance, and the impending encounter brought a smile to Farmer's face. William halted and grasped Vallessa's hands in his. Vallessa began to ask what was wrong, but a bellowed warning cut off her words from the guard stationed on the roof. James and Jay, who had remained on the roof until the last possible moment, almost lost their footing in shock. Both cast critical glances at each other, assigning blame for their self-imposed challenge, then simultaneously turned their gazes to the horizon.

Lord Jonts strode from William's Hall into the yard and looked up at the guard.

"Patrol coming in fast, Lord," the guard reported, pointing southeast.

Jay and James then spotted the patrol, which, though on foot, was making good progress as they approached the farm.

Lord Jonts shouted back, "Any more?"

There was a pause before the guard confirmed that patrols were approaching from the south. Jay and James continued to look on in dismay. The guard smiled to herself.

Lord Jonts turned to the captain and issued his orders. "Prepare the defences and bring the patrols to me." He then headed back to the hall, shouting over his shoulder as he went, "And get these civilians out of here."

The captain signalled to the guards at the gate, and they began to usher William and the others out of the yard. Everyone was eager to leave, anxious to distance themselves from the monsters the guard mentioned. All except William, who remained behind. Farmer took hold of the horse's reins, and Crane climbed into the cart. Finally, Jay and James descended, arguing, and joined Crane. All without any encouragement from the guards.

Vallessa started to turn towards the others and was surprised to see that her father had made no move. "We must go," she said, her voice trailing off as she instinctively realized that her father planned to stay.

"No," William said with a sigh, "you will go and be safe. I will stay." He held her hands tightly, wishing for more time to explain. His eyes didn't leave her.

Vallessa's voice was hard, matter-of-fact, as she replied, "No, you won't. You can't. So come on," she said firmly, pushing back the feeling that she was wasting her time. It wouldn't be the first time she had set her father straight. She loved Balor dearly; they were brother and sister, but somehow she knew he was right. He was Balor, and he was with Rook.

William spoke softly. "I can't go, not until the last moment. Not until I've given Balor every chance. I have to stay."

Vallessa remained steadfast. "We all want Balor back, and he will be back. But we all must go. Now, father."

"No," William said, drawing Vallessa close.

Vallessa held her father. She felt she should argue with him, persuade him to come, force his hand as she had so many times before. She knew it would be futile, but still, she fought it.

William held her tight. "I love you, Vallessa, with all my heart. Where you go, I will follow. But if Balor is lost to us then I must be sure I have done all I can." William, still holding her, searched Vallessa's face for understanding. Tears welled up and ran down her face. She turned her head away from her father.

"You'd better come soon because next time you won't win. I won't let you," she said, smiling through the tears.

William knew that might well be the case. He smiled and turned to Farmer. "Take them to our people. Then you, Crane, and the boys should go to the citadel, and I will meet you there."

Farmer nodded and began to lead them away. He instructed James and Jay to assist Vallessa, and they did so without hesitation. Once Vallessa was in the cart, she did not take her eyes off William. William held her gaze as Farmer pushed through the gate and led them all north, as the first patrols entered the yard. Leena had not argued with William; she knew what he had to do and would have done the same herself. They had bid their farewells alone, quietly, away from the others. Now she sat with her arm around Vallessa, a single tear running down her face as they left William behind, ensuring no one saw.