NICODEMUS (longer version - ON HOLD)

RETURNING HOME

Chapter 1: RETURNING HOME

@@@ I know nothing about armies so the highest ranks I am going to be using will be Captain And Lieutenant (Nicodemus' position at the moment)

Twelve years later

The inhabitants of Kwezia rush and gather around the long steep road leading to the castle as the first clamor of hooves from the running horses is heard in the distance. You can feel the joy coming from them at the return of their beloved army, but the anxiousness of the mothers waiting to see whether their sons will come back alive is more potent. At their hands are handkerchiefs waiting to receive their tears of joy or sadness. Little children push around wanting to be the firsts to catch a glimpse of those they consider heroes. The elderly men and those too injured to fight chuckles at their mischief and scoop them up onto their shoulders which provided them with the perfect view.

Moments passed as the thundering noise become louder and suddenly, like a ray of sunshine peeking through the clouds after the rain, the commander of the army emerge through the open gate of the kingdom sitting tall and proud on his black stallion. He was at once followed by his second in command with the piercing emerald eyes on a white stallion, and then little by little the rest of the army followed. In that moment, everything was so silent that not even the buzzing of a mosquito could be heard. But it did not last long because as soon as the last soldier made it through the kingdom, everyone started cheering.

Although the kingdom was celebrating their victory, the look on the soldiers' faces only reflected the sorrow they bear at the lost of their companions. Not many had fallen, but those who had, were considered family: fathers and brothers. On their trail was a chariot carrying their bodies which were covered to protect the children from perceiving such brutality. Mothers and wives rushed after the chariot after not seeing their loved ones and their gut-wrenching tears were so loud, they were clearer than any cheers of celebration.

The soldier on the white stallion got off his horse, removed his helmet, and approached the mothers and wives around the chariot. He simply placed his hand upon their shoulders one by one. They turned and gazed at him with sorrowful eyes waiting for him to express what was weighting on his mind. Astounding everyone surrounding him, he kneeled, bowing. Gaps could be discerned throughout the crowd. He spoke up in his usually soft and gentle voice which was now filled with grief beyond compare:

"I am contrite that you are going through such pain. You entrusted their lives in my hands and I should have fought harder to protect them." A myriad of emotions could be seen running through his eyes, but what stood out the most was the remorse he aimed toward himself for not being strong enough to protect and save everyone, thus keeping their loved ones from experiencing such pain. One of the mothers stepped forward and took his hands forcing him to stand up, and then she slapped him. Everyone stared at her as if she had two heads and she shrugs.

"Lord Nicodemus, you shouldn't apologize for what was out of your hands," she answered softly, "I do not doubt for one second that you tried to keep everyone alive and safe, but you're not a god and you cannot change what fate had preconceived my boy." The sadness swimming in her eyes suddenly turn to anger and determination as she continued, "Yes we are grieving the loss of our loved ones, but don't you dare apologize and make their deaths seemed in vain. They died proudly protecting their kingdom and no mother or wife could ask for a more honorable death for them. Do not try to create more burdens for you to carry." Nicodemus nodded and bestride his horse and continued on his path to the castle.

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the soldiers arrived at the castle after a long, steep trail through the kingdom and lined up in the courtyard surrounded by the rest of the inhabitants. Suddenly the doors of the balcony over-looking it opened and a tall young man with the darkest of hair stepped out. Everybody started to quiet down and kneeled in front of their King. The young man raised his right hand and everybody arose. He carefully looked at the faces of the soldiers, but stopped at Nicodemus and frowned at the sullen look on his face. After a moment he shook his head and looked at the rest of the crowd before speaking. "It has been almost a year since I saw this army, a year since the kingdom of Ozmea declared war and endeavored to conquer our flourishing kingdom. I must admit that I am to blame for being such a young King. I always planned to lead you, my people, one day but the death of my father, your past King, had me step up four years ago. I must thank you all for standing by my side for such a long time and help our kingdom flourish to be how it is today. If it wasn't for your guidance I wouldn't be as good a King as I am now."