A Righteous Knight

Chapter Seven: The Call to Arms

The northern city of Eldrath was engulfed in chaos as the clash of steel rang out across the fields. Sir Fin Coley, a seasoned warrior loyal to King Edward, led his men against the Viking forces commanded by Leif the Ruthless. The air was thick with smoke and the cries of battle, a grim reminder of the stakes at hand. As swords met shields and arrows rained down, the fate of the region hung in the balance.

Word of the battle reached Brentwood shortly thereafter, stirring the villagers into a frenzy. Meanwhile, Sir Alaric, resolute in his mission, sought out a group of mercenaries known for their prowess in battle. He found them gathered in a dimly lit tavern on the outskirts of town, their laughter echoing off the walls as they recounted tales of their conquests.

Alaric approached their table, his presence commanding immediate respect. "Gentlemen, I have a proposition for you," he began, his voice steady. "I need your skills to help reclaim my family's farm from the Vikings. It's a risk, but the spoils of war will be plentiful. You'll not only fight for honor but also for the Viking goods we can seize."

The mercenaries exchanged glances, considering the offer. One of them, a burly man with a scar running down his cheek, leaned forward. "What's in it for us besides the spoils? We've fought for less."

Alaric met the man's gaze unwaveringly. "You will be compensated well for your service, and you'll gain allies among those who wish to see the Vikings driven out. We are on the brink of war, and those who stand with us will be remembered as heroes."

After a brief discussion, the mercenaries nodded, their enthusiasm ignited by the prospect of battle and reward. "We'll help you take back your farm," the scarred man affirmed, a grin spreading across his face. "But we want our share of the spoils, and we want it guaranteed."

"Agreed," Alaric replied, sealing the deal. "Gather your things. The war has already begun, and we must act swiftly."

---

Back in Brentwood, Thomas was practicing his swordsmanship in a secluded area on the outskirts of the village. The sun cast long shadows across the ground as he swung his wooden sword, his muscles straining with each movement. He was determined to hone his skills, the weight of impending conflict heavy on his mind.

Nearby, Ellie sat on a fallen log, slicing apples with a small knife. She watched Thomas, a mixture of admiration and worry etched on her face. For the first time in weeks, she began to see glimpses of the old Thomas—the carefree boy who had once dreamed of adventure. Yet, an unsettling feeling gnawed at her; she couldn't shake the thought that she might be holding him back.

As Thomas practiced, he caught sight of the concern in Ellie's eyes. The sight pulled at his heart. He lowered his sword, the wood thudding softly against the ground. "Ellie, there's something I need to tell you."

She looked up, her expression shifting to one of curiosity. "What is it?"

"The other day, when I fought that Viking spy, it terrified me. I've never felt fear like that before—not for myself, but for you." He took a deep breath, the weight of his confession heavy on his chest. "I hate myself for not being able to protect my parents, our farm. If I can't protect you, then what good am I?"

"Stop, Thomas," Ellie interrupted, her voice firm yet gentle. "I won't leave you, because I have to protect you." She rose and crossed the distance between them, pulling him into a tight embrace. "You're not alone in this. We'll face whatever comes together."

Just as Thomas opened his mouth to express the depth of his feelings, to say the words "I love you," Sir Alaric's voice broke through the moment. "Did I interrupt something?" He approached from behind, a knowing smile on his face.

Both Thomas and Ellie jumped back, their cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

Alaric continued, "I've found a group of mercenaries willing to help us retake the farm. The war has already started, and our best bet is to wait until the central army moves out. Then we can head back and reclaim what's ours."

Thomas and Ellie exchanged determined glances, their resolve solidifying. "We're ready," Thomas said, his voice steady. "It's finally time to go home."

With a shared sense of purpose, the trio set off toward the gathering storm, prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead. The time for action had come, and they would stand together against the tide of darkness that threatened to engulf them.