The Will Of The Kings.

Chapter 34, Hidden Hope Part 2. The End.

William sat quietly looking out into the deep darkness that lay beneath the vast canopy of the forest that surrounded their small compound. Now they had finished the wall of thick thorns, cut from the forest, he felt hidden and safe. The thorns that surrounded them were tough and pin sharp, only the most determined of animals or men would try to breach them, and would not go unhurt or unheard for their trouble.

Nannajess had led them all to the borders of the forest not far from the Wheelboars home. They had made camp and then, alone Nannajess had dared to wander deeper into the forest, deeper even than the Wheelboars had dared to when they had made their home amongst the ancient trees. Still only just within its fringe she had stopped, feeling the danger that surrounded her, and knowing that one night there in the open would be her last. She had found a small clearing, left by a fallen giant that lay rotting at its centre, and it was that clearing that would become their new home. They did not reveal themselves to anyone as they, over several weeks, dared to wander into the forest by day to prepare their new home. With the wall finished they had made a crude shelter and moved all they had into the compound while they continued their work building a strong, small, low  wooden hall at its centre. When the hall was finished  it was time for Farmers family to leave, they had asked to go home soon after they had buried him, and William had seen to it that they could. Farmers family had been kept away from the clearing when it was being prepared and brought to it blindfold, ensuring they had no idea were they were once in the forest. They could leave knowing they could never reveal the location of their friends. Crane would accompany them.

He had business in Farnbreth for they had begun to set in motion the plan that William had talked of so many weeks before. They did see the Wheelboars again, they went to them at their home, one place they could be sure they would be unlikely to be seen. They went with thanks and gifts for their new friends loyalty and courage and with a need to protect themselves at night. The Wheelboars welcomed them in, feeding them well, joyful for seeing friends they had been unsure of ever seeing again. They asked nothing of there whereabouts nor of their troubles, but just ensured that should their friends need them they need only ask. Returning from the reunion, Rook and Balor came with new companions, three of the Wheelboars dogs, all they could spare. They had not asked for money, but William had paid them well all the same. Now with fires set and dogs in their compound at night they were as safe as they could be.

Rook left a few days later and he took a dog with him. William could see he did not want to go alone to discover if there was a part of Farnbreths army remaining in exile, and so had given him the dog for companionship on his long journey south, as well as for protection.

At a glance they looked desperate, but William smiled as he sat taking the air. They were starting again, and they all still had the will to go on.  Regardless of all they had lost, with all they had suffered, and with what still lay before them. What they had taken on had now given them a purpose, and a purpose in life no matter how big or small shapes everything. The tasks thrust upon them had led them stumbling, some times unconsciously to this beginning. This small band hidden in a vast forest had a purpose, to win back their home, their lives. They had the will to do it and the Will of the Kings gave them the power and hope.