Carthispire

11

Izzy paced and I was getting nervous. Did we make a good enough case? I can only hope their ignorance can be broken like bones. True a bone is tough enough to withstand a good fight. Even so, something could break bone even if  it was a good fight. Ignorance is a strong bone that is not broken easily. It has been one hour and I hate waiting to hear what could happen.

The doors open and Fern's mother walked in with his brothers. Fern stood up and his mother said, "Your father and the other high ranking thanes are still trying to come to terms with the dark side threat."

He nodded and said, "After what happened at home, I didn't suspect... Also, when did he become a high ranking thane?"

"His cousin was injured trying to win the favor of a woman from the northern part of the hold. It was fatal. Your father was next inline since no other family was still alive." She took great strides to the couch and sat down, "Nirthen and Taileion, please sit."

His brothers both had on their swords that look identical to Fern's. They sat and Taileion took a breath before saying, "I'm sorry for being the way I was. Mama did set me straight and I didn't...."

Nirthen smiled and nodded at his brother who was having trouble finding the words, "What Taileion means is, he knows of his ignorance and biased opinion. He wants to try to be open minded about your romantic tendencies. As of I after taking in careful consideration of my own actions towards you. We tend to be scared of what we don't know. Now, we understand and we are trying to make amends."

Fern laughed and looked out the window with his hands behind his back, "Brothers... By the creator how I have always wanted to hear this. Now that I hear this...I have missed you all. But, you all have impeccable timing."

"How so?"

"Brothers, do you understand why I want to close this part of my life." He said turning to them, "I will be fighting by the side of my friends when the war comes. I'm not sure if I'll be here by the end of that."

His mother begged, "Oh Fernarthen, please, don't talk like that."

"Mama, I cannot the truth." He walked over to her and sat next to her, "Deep down, I'm still a knight. I still have duties. One of those is too Zeckiel, Brima, and Izzy. I took a pledge that I will always follow throughout my life. Protect the innocent and bring honor to those around you. It would be dishonorable and shameful to abandon my friends who somehow play a great role in the oncoming war."

Nirthen said, "If you need us, we will be here. Mama, he's right. Unless Zeckiel doesn't need him."

Zeckiel shrugged, "I would miss his company and I would have to seek a new teacher. Other than those two issues, I don't see why not. It's up to Fern and what he wants."

Fern clapped Zeckiel on the shoulder, "Thank you my friend, but I want to stay. I don't trust anyone else with training you to hold a sword better."

The Jarl, the Steward, and Fernarthen's father walked into the room. The Steward said, "The court has made a decision."

The Jarl said gleefully, "We have concluded that we will stand next to anyone who joins the fight. We will give any support needed under reasonable demand in wartime. Now, I ask only the family of Fernarthen be gathered here to talk out whatever erupted in my court. My Steward will mediate if needed."

..............................................................................................

As I packed Izzy said, "I suggest going to the Wood Elves hold."

I asked, "Why? Humans seem, interesting."

Izzy rolled her eyes, "I'm not going to get into detail because that would take hours. So, let's just say humans are diverse. After the Great War ended... There is a reason for the faction countries. Each follows a different government. My faction is at war as of late because the government there is failing. Faction 3 is trying to help but they can only do so much because of a peace treaty. It's an old thing with humans who used to live in what was the United Stated of America. My faction runs on republican values and faction 3 runs on democratic values. Sure my faction has technology but not much has come from us since the Great War. The fucking government would rather blow enemies up rather than save innocent lives. They would rather have big business destroy everything over greed. I wanted to move to faction 3, but they have tight boarders. If they catch you without papers your going to Devil's Paradise. Is a prison island. They drop you off there in the ruins of an earth quake and the war. No one has ever made it out alive. I also talked to Fern. It's illegal to show any gay affection in public. I got out by a friend who pushed my papers along faster than usual. I came to the HER, and lived near a small village named Benterson. It's two hours north of Carthspire. I worked at a general goods store until Darren found me."