Remember Me

Chapter 4

                                                                          Chapter 4

                Andrew couldn’t help but listen to his instincts. From the day he became both a brother and a son, he felt he had a responsibility to protect and love those around him. Now, everything seemed so wrong and he was torn between obeying the King and his duty to family. He didn’t suspect his sister’s abilities, but he was afraid of what life he would have in the kingdom.

                It led him to a breaking point, but he chose family instead. Alexander was having a rough time and took it out on others, so why would anyone need to listen to him? Besides, one against many is fair when it’s for right reasons. Murdering the king wouldn’t bring much joy, but there were other ways to bring him down to earth.

                ‘’Andrew, are you in there?’’

                ‘’Come in, Barry.’’

                The old man quickly leaped inside, poking his head back to see if anyone followed. He closed the door silently and brushed his hands on his stained clothes. This wasn’t a kingdom where only rich lived, far from that. Most of people were happy with what they had and helped each other, but were poor. Barry was just another example of a hardworking man who would rather feed a hungry child than buy himself new robe.

                Andrew stood up, still not fully recovered, but feeling much better. He slightly swayed, but he gripped onto a chair and lowered himself down, finding a more comfortable pose than in bed.

                Barry sighed, joining him at the table.

                ‘’I promise I will not tell anyone, but I need to know what you’re planning. If the king finds out... he won’t spare your life, I’m afraid. Just think of the risk it involves.’’

                The candle’s flame between them lingered, sending shadows over the small room. Barry’s concerned gaze made Andrew question himself, but he refused to admit he was acting like a coward.

                ‘’I…I just want to be a warrior and be with my family at the same time, which is impossible. I can’t choose which is better, but Alex isn’t much of a tactical king, so this is just a fun game to him. I don’t want to be played with. I feel bad about all these men, but there’s nothing I can do to help.’’

                ‘’There’s just one thing I can’t understand. Why are you still here?’’

                Andrew looked up to meet Barry’s eyes which seemed to have a dose of wisdom hidden inside. He wasn’t sure if he wanted to respond, or deny the truth, but Barry’s eyes begged him in the sake of their friendship. After all, he was giving up on everything and telling the truth could make him feel better. He owed it to his loyal friend.

                ‘’What do you mean?’’

                ‘’After everything you and your family went through…you still chose to be here where it all started. Rosalie doesn’t know the whole truth about who you are, does she?’’

                ‘’It’s not important, Barry.’’, he spoke in a low, dangerous tone. Despite that Barry was not an enemy, he wanted to play safe. Barry pursed his lips as he raised his arms as if in surrender.

                ‘’I’m just saying you should think about it. After I found out… I freaked and you remember that well, my friend. If I knew I’d be sitting here after that, I would have gone crazy.’’