Valadel

Chapter X

Edwin sat in his commanding chair within his office, marking out the which members of the King's Field Squadron he wished to take with him. They were twenty in total, and his king had said four would suffice. He stared at his roster. They were all remarkable men, each having proven to Edwin their capabilities. That was the issue. There was no clear cut choice as to who would take. He examined their abilities. Sir Miles Vallyrian, a young man with the rank of lieutenant. He had served well as a second in command, and had the making of a great leader. Edwin marked him down as a possibility and continued his search. His name came across Darius Crossburke. He was young, twenty one years of age. He still didn't like his mohawk, but he was decent with a bow, however. He could provide a ranged attack and offer cover support. Edwin marked him down as well. Next, he decided on Balamar Steelebone, a bear of a man. He could provide that raw strength to back up his squadron. He wouldn't need any of the horsemen, and only the one archer. The others would sit this one out.

A knock from his door was heard and he shouted come in. Gallador entered and Edwin asked him to take a seat.

"How can I help you, friend?" Edwin asked warmly.

"I was just curious as to how you are doing, and figured I'd stop by, old friend." Gallador winced as he sat in his chair. There was a click in his knee, and it brought on a dull ache.

Curse these old bones...

Edwin hadn't seemed to notice the sounds of Galladors aging. "I'm well. I just finished setting up my team. Have you done the same?"

"Aye. I'll send you their statistics soon enough."

"Good on you," he paused and stored away his Squadron's roster, "so, Gallador, besides business, how are you? It seems all we have spoken of is that damned castle."

Gallador chuckled. "It does, doesn't it? Well, my daughter broke some news to me yesterday...she is just like her mother, that wild girl." The face of Diana floated through his mind, beautiful as he could remember. He feared the day he would be unable to conjure her face, and prayed that day would never come. He missed her dearly, and more so with every day that passed. It seemed so long ago that he said his farewells to his lovely wife.

Edwin nodded for him to continue. "Diana was a wild one, I remember, and a lovely woman. What news did Jenna have for you?"

Gallador sighed. "She's with child. That girl." She was just as young as Diana was when Gallador put Jenna inside her. And she was just as beautiful, though in different ways. Where Diana had hair dark as midnight and eyes like warm hazelnuts, Jenna had hair as sunny as the afternoon, and eyes as blue as a clear morning sky.

She certainly took after the Thornshields...in more ways than just looks

Edwin smiled and shook his head. "Well, she certainly is her father's daughter. You and Diana weren't married when you first learned she was with child, were you?"

A bittersweet smile pulled at Galladors lips. "No, no we weren't, but best believe we married soon after. They're not bastards if you marry before they are born." He chuckled at the memories that came to life in his mind. "My father Lionel was furious. I thought for sure he'd slaughter Diana and I both, but his heart melted away when he first laid eyes on Jenna. All of ours did."

Edwin sat back in his chair. "I suppose that's one thing the Squadron has on the Rangers. I've never had to worry about children. Our oaths prevent us from having any."

Gallador smirked. "You're missing out on one of lifes greatest gifts, my friend."

Edwin shrugged. "I'm relieved of my oath in a matter of a few years...maybe then."