"Malique! Malique! Wake up. I need to talk to you."
I was aroused from my sleep by my patron.
"Why, what is wrong?"
"Nothing, but you are needed by the Captain-Major. He has something to tell you."
"Can't it wait till the morrow? I'm sleepy."
"Impossible! You know that it would be insubordination! You must report now!"
"Ok, ok! I'll be there in a few minutes. Just give me enough time to dress up."
It was during the era of the Great War, 1005 AD. I was a junior in the army, but was regarded as the best in my unit, the Flying Boars. At that period of time, I was 25 moons old, and very active in serving my country, although I was still under training since I had five more summers to go before I was to be introduced into the battle front. I had not seen or heard from my parents for eleven years, but I wished them luck wherever they were. I had vowed that I would seek them when my time of service was done, and I couldn't wait any longer. However, at that moment of time, I had to obey orders that came from my superiors, and I was in a rush to do so.
"Hurry!"
"Yes, sir. Just a moment I get into my pants...ok, let's go."
As we made our way to the Captain-Major's quarters, I could not help but ask why he had summoned me at such a late time in the night. My patron could not tell me exactly why, since he himself had been woken up only to call me. He only told me that a message had been brought by the royal messenger, and that it was addressed to me. I was surprised because I wondered why the royal court would want to send me a message, but I was honoured. When we entered the Captain-Major's quarters, we saluted before my patron was permitted to leave.
"Malique, I'm sorry for waking you up at this time, but it was a matter of urgency. A letter was delivered to you by the royal messenger, and it bears the royal insignia of the King.
"It bears what? How's that even possible? I know my father worked as the Captain of the King's guard, but that was the older king. This new king has no idea I even exist!" I said, completely baffled at what I had been told.
"Yes, but don't forget that he was formally the prince of the country before his father died during the war. Anyway, let me hand it to you so that you can open it. I'm curious as to why such an important letter was sent to you." He said, even as he searched for it.
"Forgive me sir, but couldn't this have waited until the morning? Also, why would you want to know what is contained in the letter? I thought it was mine."
"First, it could not have waited till morning because the messenger is still around and is waiting for your reply. Second, I was ordered to deliver it to you, and I'm just curious, that's all."
"The messenger is still around and wants a reply right now? Fine."
