𝐇𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘 ★ 𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐮𝐩𝐨𝐧 𝐚 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 ᵖ

•Chapter 6: Sickness•

The Ogres hadn't moved any closer after making the new deal with the Dark One a few days ago. Despite that, the squadron had been preparing for what felt like an unnecessary battle at the King's command. While preparing for what felt like a pointless fight in the upcoming days, Sam had also been considering who the next knight to join their inner circle should be. Many men would be a great choice and would do well helping them strategize for battle, but it was the De Vil boy's job to make sure the next person who joined them was the perfect fit.

As I placed my newly made sword into its sheath, my mind settled on a knight whose loyalty to everyone in the camp had been unwavering. Just as I was about to exit my tent, the flap opened, and Jason walked in with a bright smile and his hand on his sword's hilt.

"Have you picked another member yet?" he asked, his eyes filled with curiosity as he tried to stand tall before me.

"I was thinking about Ben," I answered, a smile forming as I saw the growing confidence in the young knight. "What do you think?"

"I think that's a great idea, Sam. He's a great knight and well-trained."

Before I could respond, the flap to my tent opened again, and Wilbur poked his head in, drawing both Jason's and my attention.

"Have you decided on your next man?" he asked, entering the tent and stopping directly behind Jason.

"Just did," I told him, a playful smirk forming. "Didn't think you'd be so eager for the news, considering you aren't the one announcing it."

"Don't let this get to your head, Sammy. Now, hurry up. It's time for the announcement," Wilbur scoffed before leaving the tent.

As soon as the captain was gone, I turned from the exit to Jason, who was still looking at me with wide, eager eyes.

"Want to make the announcement with me?" I asked, receiving a rapid nod and a bright smile in return, which made me laugh. After playfully ruffling the boy's hair, we walked side by side out of the tent. As we reached the small clearing in the center of the camp, my eyes scanned the small crowd in a semi-circle around Wilbur before I led Jason through our squadron to stand with the captain.

"Sam would like to announce the next member of his inner circle!" Wilbur declared as Jason and I reached his side, prompting a loud cheer from the surrounding knights. Once they quieted down, I glanced at the young knight beside me before we stepped forward to address them.

"We thought long and hard about who should join us. This knight has proven himself loyal countless times and has shown us his skill in fighting the Ogres," I said, scanning the crowd of knights whose eyes were fixed on Jason and me. "And we believe Ben will fill this position well."

The crowd roared as soon as the name left my lips before practically tackling Ben to the ground. Wilbur, Jason, and I laughed at the sight of the pile on top of Ben before the captain stepped forward again.

"I have one more announcement!" he shouted, drawing their attention back. I watched his small smile slowly fade. "Sickness has been infecting neighboring camps and has reached a few of our own. Please remember to take care of yourselves. We need healthy knights if we're going to win this war."

A murmur rippled through the crowd before they dispersed, returning to their routines. Just as I was about to leave with Jason, Wilbur called me back, causing me to give him a confused look before dismissing Jason. Once the young knight was out of sight, I turned back to Wilbur, noticing a hint of sadness in his eyes that he tried to conceal.

"One of the younger knights has been infected by the illness," he told me, and my blood ran cold as my eyes remained fixed on him. "It's Logan. The doctors say he isn't going to make it."

"How did he get it?" I asked, my voice raspy as my throat tightened.

"His brother was infected a few days ago. Logan spent the last two days with him until his brother passed. The illness...there isn't a cure. Once you get it, you only have a day or two left, if even that."

★★★

It was a long night. Watching the life drain out of him without being able to do anything was agonizing. He passed about four hours after I went to his tent. It was the toughest thing I had to do. He was only fourteen.

"Sam!" Wilbur shouted in panic as he entered my tent. "The young knights. Five of them are sick."

"Jason?"

"He's one of them."

Panic surged through me as I jumped out of bed and sprinted out of my tent. As soon as I reached the medic's tent, I rushed in, my eyes immediately finding Ethan lying motionless in his bed. After a shaky breath, I hesitantly walked over and sat on the stool beside him.

"Hey, Will," I whispered, and his eyes slowly opened, a small smile appearing as he looked at me. "How're you feeling?"

"I've been better."

"I know. You're going to be okay."

"I know what happens to those who get this, Sam," he said, then had a coughing fit before his eyes met mine again. "You don't need to give me false hope."

Tears welled in my eyes at the sight of the young knight, and I did my best to hide them. After a moment longer with Jason, my gaze shifted to the other beds along the side of the tent, where the other young knights lay. None of them deserved this.

The next few hours were devastating, filled with final goodbyes and tears. After Fredrick, it was Richard, then Bradley, and lastly, Christopher. I shared their last words with each of them. I didn't let a single one leave this earth alone. Jason was fighting hard to survive, and I hadn't let go of his hand since Christopher passed. His eyes were closed, and he began mumbling. I looked down to see him smiling at me, and I returned it.

"You were the brother I always wanted," he whispered, his grip on my hand weakening. "Thanks for always believing in me."

"Jason—"

"Kick some Ogre butt for me."

Then, he was gone.

★★★

Five knights carried Logan, Fredrick, Richard, Bradley, and Christopher to the burial site as I carried Jason. We placed them in the six holes and gently covered them with dirt. The group of knights surrounded them as Wilbur began his speech.

"These six knights will be greatly missed," Wilbur started. "They dedicated countless hours to becoming skilled warriors. Logan, fourteen, was exceptional with a sword and would have readily risked his life for any of us. Fredrick, fifteen, was funny and caring, always ensuring the other young knights were well-trained and looked after. Richard, fourteen, always welcomed criticism as a way to achieve his dream of leading his own group of knights. Bradley, thirteen, Jeremy's twin, was the funniest among us and knew how to enjoy himself, but never at the expense of his training. Christopher, thirteen, was quiet and reserved, yet he trained with the same dedication as everyone else to succeed. Lastly, Jason, twelve, Sam's right-hand man, was timid and wary of the world, but we all knew his commitment to knighthood and how he helped Sam bring safety to this kingdom. They were all brave and honorable knights. We must hold them in our hearts as we go into battle."