Deadlands

Prologue

Far within the lands of Ferihale... long ago, of course... lived a man by the name of Ferrin Anton. Ordinary he may have been, but little did anyone know that this man would have had his life changed in one single day. It was during a war time. Ferrin and his wife, Meridale, didn't have too much but three kids and only about enough money for a loaf of bread and tea. Even with Ferrin being a knight, he still couldn't bring in as much money as you'd think.

Either way he was stressed out and exhausted. After three battles of six, you could see why. But maybe they'd win the next.., the others did start to show less resistance than usual. Perhaps the others, along with Ferihale's Knights, don't want to fight, yet are afraid to fight back against their leaders... At this point, they aren't sure why they are fighting. Three battles too many.

For now, we are here in the home of the Anton's; even as an Anton... Ferrin himself! Happy the two of them are, rich they one day strive to be.

"Ah," Meridale said from the other room, "You wanted marmalade with your toast. Just a moment!"

I sat patiently, tapping my fingers on the table waiting for my wife to return. She came back into the room with a tray of tea, a small amount of marmalade and other assortments of breakfast items. I gave a pleasant smile to her when she placed the tray on the table.

"Nice to see I'm gratified for my work here." She said while I yawned. "Oh, dear. You haven't slept well again. That's no good! Just about a few weeks when you have your big day, after all."

I looked down at my food worryingly. I didn't want to go fighting for the Battle of the Plains. It seemed too dangerous in this cold Autumn. That and we've already lost too many battles..

"I know, I don't want you to fight either.." Meridale began. "But do it for me, if not for Ferihale."

I looked back up to Meridale, smiled, and blinked lovingly at her.

"I would definitely do it for you, dear." I said smiling. I grabbed tea pot and poured it into my cup in the silent Saturday morning. I took the marmalade and spread it on the toast, eating it up and chugging down my tea.

"How delightful!" I shared standing up. "Well now, Merrie', I must be going. They expect me soon at the barracks. I shouldn't be long!"

"Well," She sighed, "Good luck then, Ferrin. I love you!"

"Yes, yes. Quite! Do me a favour, check on the kids." I said as I was just about to open the door. Meridale cleared her throat, causing me to stop dead in my tracks. "Love you, too!"

I opened the door and was headed out to the barracks. On my way I hummed a tune, thinking of all the bad things that could go wrong at the battle a week from now.

When I arrived at the barracks I met with the other men. They were all obviously exhausted from stress for having to go fighting again. Even in the beginning we didn't want to fight. Our commander's mind sets just got ridiculous.

I went across the room to meet with Dermis, my best friend.

"Hey, Ferrin." He greeted. Dermis was sitting on a hard bed with his fat head and stout appearance.

"You've always been well fed, haven't you." I joked. Dermis laughed and punched me. We then shared some small talk until we were called to stand, for our commander had walked in.

"I hope everyone is ready for next week, this is our regular checkup!" The commander, Ruberg, said loudly. Everyone was silent. "Silent, are we?! That's no good! May we say how we are!?"

"Yes, we are well." Said all. I held back my own words, in fear. Ruberg noticed.

"Why, Sir Ferrin Anton! How are you? Are you ready for battle next week?" I was asked. I blinked in fear.