Soldier

Chapter 19

Chapter 19

“No, papa!”

I was keeping an eye on the ground when I heard Yoesphin's heartbroken cry. Amos wanted to evacuate the village, meanwhile Yoesphin wanted to stay behind and fight.

“Papa, this will end everything. If you would just let me...”

“No! I won't let my only daughter get killed” I understood his concern. He wanted his daughter alive, while she wanted to fight for her people. For Yoesphin it would be an honor to die for them too.

“They're really coming” Phee sat beside me and looked down at Amos and Yoesphin.

“Yes” I croaked. My throat was dry after so many hours of sleep. I slept through breakfast and according to the sun it was midday. Yoesphin and Amos moved out of sight and soon I couldn't hear them anymore.

“Phee, I want you to promise me something”

“Yes?”

“Promise me you'll get home, take Tom with you” I grabbed her shoulders and turned her to me.

“What? No, I won't leave you now” She cried.

“Phee” I hugged her close to me. “I'll find somewhere safe, but I don't want you anywhere near here when they come”

“I want to fight! I can use a bow” She suggested and hurried to show how good she was by using my own. I've seen her shoot and she has gotten better.

“No, you need to get home” My voice was harsh. I wanted her to understand. If she died, I would never forgive myself. Her mother needs her.

“Your mother needs you” I tried to explain, but she wouldn't listen. Phee only kept showing how good she was. When she finally realised I wouldn't listen she ran off. Why do I always fight with people?

I let my feet dangle from the tree and hid my face in my hands. When I looked up Nicholas was by my side.

“She won't listen to me, Phee” I explained in a quiet voice. Nicholas put his arm around me and drew me close.

“I'll convince her. Tom knows what's about to happen and he wouldn't let anything happen to her. He likes her too much”

I let out a laugh. For Tom Phee was a sister he never had. Or maybe he had plenty. I never asked him. I started biting my nails to calm my anxious feelings.

“How long do you think it'll take?” I asked him as I looked at our surroundings. Hundreds of elves did their usual chores and laughed. It didn't seem that Amos had told them yet.

“Tomorrow morning, maybe” Nicholas said. That didn't give us much time. If we were to survive Amos needed to evacuate the village now. I let go from Nicholas embrace, already missing it.

“We need to tell him” I said, referring to Amos.

I found him later by the lake, standing in silence.

“We need to-” He interrupted me.

“Evacuate, I know”

I didn't say anything. He knew the situation.

“We could fight. Make the king understand that this is your land” I suggested.

“If they already thinks we're doing harm by existing I don't believe going into war would help” Amos let out a laugh, but it didn't seem real. I threw a rock at the water, watching small rings spread. I didn't want to pressure him to decide, but the time was catching up on us.