As Brian followed his new master, he looked at all the dead bodies. It pained him to see his comrades lifeless, covered with blood. He prayed that there were more men who had been spared, especially his brother, Charles. He breathed a sigh of relief when he did not spot his brother's corpse. Once the two men entered the tent, Brian was told to stand against the wall with the other prisoners.
Brian beamed inside when he saw Charles among the captive. He saw the look of relief on Charles' face when they saw each other, but then, Brian noticed Charles looked suddenly worried. He couldn't figure out why for a minute, but he found out quick enough.
The general started at one end of the line, looked at the first person straight in the eye and said, "State you name!" in a firm and fierce voice.
"Dddderrrek," stammered the soldier, "Derek of Bolon, sir."
"Well, Derek of Bolon, you are going to help our cook! If you prove loyal, he may decide your fate!" said the general.
He continued barking commands at each of the prisoners. Many were told to assist one of the workers or soldiers; only a few were to serve an officer. Suddenly, he stood in front of Brian. Brian thought that the general's usual stare was fiercer when he spoke to him.
"State you name!"
Brian looked the general straight in the eye and said nothing.
"I said state your name!"
Shaking, one of Brian's friends spoke up. "Sir, his name is Brian."
The general glared at the man and sneered. "I didn't ask you to state his name!"
"Sir," the man replied timidly, "Brian does not speak. He hasn't said a word for years."
The general walked over to the man, and quietly said, "Don't ever speak unless told so."
He pulled out his sword, and raised it, but before he could have killed him, Brian's captor blurted out, "Andrew, this man speaks the truth. When I found him...Brian...and told him to come, he followed, not saying anything. Why, he didn't so much as make a sound.
The general put down his sword and put it away. "Well then Sam, what do you think we should do with this mouse, Brian?"
"I would like him to serve me. He is the most trustworthy of all the prisoners. We don't have to worry about him blurting secrets or betraying us. Besides, he knows me the best and I, him."
"Alright Sam. You make a good point."
The whole time the two men talked, Brian observed that the general respected the stranger...Sam. He wasn't fierce when he spoke to Sam. Brian could tell that Sam was sincere with what he said about Brian, but he sensed that there was another reason Sam wanted Brian, something much deeper.
YOU ARE READING
Hidden Secrets, Hidden Past, Hidden Lives
SpiritualA lost princess, a soldier who has not spoken in eight years, and a rebellious young leader. When a blizzard brings the three of them together, their lives are changed forever as secrets from their pasts are revealed. Can they help each other find...
