Heart of Flax

I Accept | Ep.7

I remember my mother's red hair tied tight into a bun behind her head.

I remember her green eyes glaring down at me, "You must grow to be something less incompetent".

I remember soon after I turned 6, my mother had died. I soon realized I would never hear her catchphrase again.

I remember right after I turned 7 my father, or rather Njal, exploded in anger after I had brought a dog back with me. I woke up with endless scratches and bruises the next day. But, he hadn't gotten rid of the dog, so I named him Clover.

I remember that same year, Njal had brought in Joan, Piers, and her soon to be son Morcant. I found out that Piers happened to be the same age as me, and couldn't help but let out a terse laugh.

I remember after another explosive fit of anger from my father, Joan was pushed into labor from the stress. She banished me from the castle out of paranoia that I would kill her beloved son. As I hid in the run-down tower with Clover, news reached me that my little brother, Morcant, was born. She finally let me back in the castle after my father ordered so.

I remember not long after I turned 15, my father called me into his throne room. Which is technically illegal to have as a mere Duke. He told me I need to prepare for war, the King needs troops and a commander from every region to fight the dragon that has emerged. My father wasn't going to send his precious son so of course he had to pick me. He named me a vassal just to complete this goal. Hah, by this point I was too tired to care...

I remember the trembling nights, the screams, the soldiers grunting in their barracks, either having sex or dying.

I remember the timeless training sessions with the regional commander, how big I grew.

I remember Clover got bigger and yes I brought him with me. Soon he grew big enough to carry me, I didn't have time to think of it as weird at the time.

I remember the knights I commanded as the sector manager. And, their lives, their smiles, their humor, but also the unlucky one's deaths.

I remember meeting the Constable, who, I didn't know at the time, would become the Grand Duke for his supply contribution and skill in battle. He treated me with respect, unlikely for someone with so much power, and I came to respect him as well.

I remember the biggest creature I've ever seen putting me on the verge of death.

I remember my blade going into its scales, and the fire surrounding everyone. The dark clouds of ash plaguing the sky.

I don't remember the pain. I don't remember the look in all the soldier's eyes.

But, I do remember the hopeless look in the Dragon's eyes and what it made me feel.

I do remember the clearing skies, and the rain.

I do remember falling on the ground, on my knees, with a weight lifted off my shoulders, and yet... still, I remembered the sorrow in the Dragon's eyes.

I do remember a weight back on my shoulders as Clover jumped on me and started licking me. I deeply laughed, yelling, "Clover stop".

I do remember the cheers as I made it back to the village that took us in. The smile on the old lady's face, the cheers of the children. Yet, I still remembered the Dragon's eyes, I couldn't smile.

I do remember the look of surprise on the King's face when he met me, the hero of the war. The scowl on his face conveyed his surprise at the hero being from the North.

I do remember my vassal ceremony as I'm given my very own Fief in the North, in Pier's territory, under the King's orders. I became Knight Osric, the Dragon slayer.