Scarlet Mystery

Chapter 6

The circle that marked the center of Wellington was crowded. Queen Rebecca had just called a meeting with everyone in the center of the village. We all knew that this was important news. Mother Snake mentioned that Queen Rebecca would probably announce the war.

Queen Rebecca stood high on a chestnut colored horse. Everyone was crowded around her, and silenced as she began to speak.

"People of Wellington. It is I, Queen Rebecca. I have come to announce that we are about to go to war with King Andrew. As you may know, Wellington hasn't experienced war in many years. Our solider supply is short. That's why, any men and boys over 16 years old, is required to serve in the war. A meeting will be held for the recruit tomorrow at noon. If any man above 16 fails to show, he will be found and thrown in prison. I encourage blacksmiths and bow makers to step up their work. Same goes for farmers and bakers."

As she finished up her speech, people began to depart. I was still trying to comprehend what Queen Rebecca said. Men over 16 had to enter the war?

I suddenly felt my heart drop. Sky was 17. He was required to enter the war!

"Scarlet! Come on!" Mother Snake hollered over her shoulder. I turned away from her and made my way towards Sky's house.

Sky was sitting in the grass by a small patch of orange flowers. He glanced up with surprises when he saw me heading towards him.

"Scarlet? What are you doing? You know you aren't supposed to be running with your condition!" He scolded me with a gentle voice.

"I know. Sky, are you seriously going off into war?" I asked.

"I have to. It's an order. Besides, I need to defend Wellington..."

"Yeah, but defending Wellington is going to get you killed!" I snapped. "Why can't you see that? Sky, you have me, Lily, Ma Brace, everyone to worry about. What would we do if you got hurt or killed? Did you ever think about that?"

Sky reached up and wiped a trickle of a salty tear off of my cheek. I didn't even realize I had been crying. I don't cry often.

"Listen, Scarlet," he gently grabbed my shoulders, "I'm not going to die. I have to live for you and Lily and Ma Brace. But I also have to protect Wellington. If I don't, we all may die. Not just me, but you, Lily, Ma Brace, Mother Snake, Queen Rebecca, everyone. Don't think I'm choosing to go off into war because I'm not. And I'm sure my will to live is strong enough. Plus, I've been practicing archery with you for a long time. I can shoot a bow. I can dodge arrows. I can be taught to sword fight and how to survive in war. It won't be easy, but I'm willing to risk my life for your protection." His brown eyes sparked.

Sighing, I gave in. "Okay...just stay safe..." I glanced into those brown eyes again. I saw confidence, but i also depicted worry.