Slash

Growing Up

  
   I stare in horror at the hay poking out of the decapitated dummies's neck. I slowly look over at the other guards, watching each and every one pierce the heart of the burlap sack dummies, some dropping the swords before they strike, some barely even getting it through the sack to begin with, and others doing it flawlessly. I really am the only one that didn't listen. Gods...I truly am horrible at following orders, I couldn't even manage to follow my father's orders either.
    I take a deep breath, whatever happens, even if this plan doesn't work, I'll just come up with another one. And another. I'll come up with millions if it means to fulfill my promise to Don.

    I'm snapped out of my thoughts when I feel a rough hand land on my shoulder, making me immediately straighten up, keeping my gaze forward, there was no need to look who's hand it was. It was the commander.
   "Now what do we have here? A show-off? An idiot? Or....a warrior?"
   
  I bite my lip under the helmet at his question, there really is no right answer is there?
    "Can't I be all 3?.....sir..."

   That came out way more sly than I wanted...maybe tossing it a little sir might make it sound better. I really need to learn to bite my tongue sometimes...

He looked down at me through the grates of his helmet, both our faces hidden and unreadable.

"I do appreciate an honest man. Next!"

Huh. That's it? Maybe I shouldn't bite my tongue more? Father did always tell me I had the tongue of a man...that maybe he should cut it off for me. Maybe that's what he did to mom's tongue...

    Hours went by as he made us do small, random tasks and trainings, testing our skills and strength, and each and every test, he always seemed to just freeze up when it came to me. He would rant and complain to each and every man...except me. Why? I think maybe I had impressed him with my boldness. I had learned to just say silent and nod, not questioning his odd behavior.
   When the golden sun had started to suck down to the horizon, gracing the skies in an array of pink and purple, he finally called off all the tests, clearing his throat as he stood in front of the the handful of guards that were left. We had started out with almost 50, and now there was maybe 12? But I made it. I'm a guard now. And I'm going to be able to go in the castle. And I'm going to be able to find my brother. I can't help but grow a smile as he starts to lead us down the road to the kingdom gates.

    "Congratulations men! You have proven yourselves all worthy of becoming the best you can be...real men! The king will be honored to meet all of you."

   He pushes the large wooden gates open, nodding at the guards standing by the front door of the castle. This castle was even larger when your standing right in front of it. Tall, made of shining white bricks, pillars of white forming out of the top, windows littered over each and every wall, with blue and red banners over the walls with Hollowrest's crest on them. A star. Hollowrest was known as the town of the stars. I don't exactly want to be here at all. All the other guards had started to remove their helmets as they stepped inside, and a bit of panic sets in. My face...what's going to happen when they see my face? Well, I've gotten this far, maybe since I showed how skilled I was, they will look past it. I slowly remove the helmet, taking a small breath of the fresh hair, wiping the sweat off my forehead. All the men seem to be so excited to finally be inside the castle, chatting with one another and smiling and laughing, not even noticing my strange face. I keep my eyes locked forward as we step onto the plush red carpet, the air smelling a little more stale then the cool outside air. I look at the commanders back, watching him lead us all inside. He seems so...familiar. The way he walks....his voice. I can't quite place it through.

   It felt like hours had went by, when it was probably only maybe an hour. Each guard would walk up to the king, and he would initiate them into their service, placing the sword on each shoulder, before giving them an approving nod to head into the guards quarters. I had placed myself last in line, so I had time to look around and plan. I saw a few guards staring at the kings side, but no don. It might take a while to find him in such a big place like this. But..anything to save my brother. I don't know how hes survived this for this long...maybe he hasn't? What if he has died?! And I did this all for nothing? No Evelyn, don't jump to conclusions. Look first. Worry later.