A Duty Fulfilled

Chapter 19

                          Peter ran down the street, hoping and praying any other patrolling guards wouldn't see them. Combat hadn't lasted long after Peter defeated his opponent and assisted Adam in defeating his. Peter wasn't sure if they'd left them dead or alive. He hoped they weren't dead, he didn't want that on his conscience. Although he knew that sooner or later he would shed blood if the rebellion gained way. He hoped God would forgive him. 

''Down this way,'' Adam darted down between two houses narrowly squished together. 

Peter followed, still not hearing any guards pursuing them and praying they wouldn't slam into any as they quickly rounded corners. Finally, Adam led Peter out of the buildings of Davenshire and to the dirt road that went into the forest. Except, Adam didn't take Peter on the road, instead he led him through the thick brush soundlessly. Or at least Adam bounded noiselessly across the leaves and logs, Peter sounded more like a bear chasing after its prey. He wanted to ask Adam where they were going, but he didn't want to slow them down. The sooner they reached the meeting place, the sooner they could rescue Avelina and James. 

The woods became denser and thicker, and he wasn't exactly sure how Adam knew where he was going. But the archer had been roaming the forest since he was young, he likely new every dip, every turn and every inhabited animal den to avoid. They ran on and on, Peter struggling to keep up now as the pinch in his side worsened and his chest hurt from the gulps of air he struggled to intake. 

              Finally, Adam started to slow as their climb began uphill. Peter's legs ached by now, but he followed without a word. They crested the hill and beheld a welcomed sight. A wattle and daub cottage sat nestled in the trees, Peter would've collapsed with relief except Adam urged them on. Apparently, they wouldn't stop until they were in the house. 

Adam reached the door and rapped a special rhythm. 

The door opened almost instantly, revealing Aldwin's tired face. 

''You made it, Adam, Duke Peter,'' he nodded respectfully at Peter who also acknowledged him.

He led them into the single room, the windows were covered and the door was firmly bolted behind them. 

''Fellow men,'' Aldwin called for all attentions, ''Duke Peter of Holt has at last graced us with his presence, and it is here that the final orders for the revolution of Holt will take place.'' 

Suddenly, the significance of the meeting hit Peter almost like a brick to the head. This was the closest they'd ever come to taking Holt back. And Peter was here for it. The supposed dead duke had risen from the grave. 

                  ''Duke Peter, we ask that you give the final orders,'' Aldwin had ceased his introduction and was now looking at Peter. 

Him? But he didn't know anything. He was merely an observer, one who watched and tried not to get killed. Until recently, he'd been in blessed oblivion to his responsibilities and duties. His own land had been under turmoil, and he'd done nothing. He was not the man who should have the responsibility to tell the men how to regain their Holt. 

''I do not think I should have the honor of such privilege,'' Peter said in a low voice, looking at Aldwin. 

''You are the duke, we wish to have the true duke's approval and leadership in this monumental moment.'' Aldwin said surely. 

Peter swallowed, ''I am not derserving of loyalty, I fear. I hadn't wanted anything to do with Holt until a few months ago. I ignored my people, and my duties as Duke Baldric's son. I was blinded by my own wants and selfishness.'' Peter was ashamed to admit it, but he needed to be honest. The people had lived off enough lies from the last decade. It was really James who'd brought him to his senses, he'd reminded Peter that there was an isle off the coast that was waiting for him. It had taken Peter a while to bring himself to the conclusion that he needed to go back. He been ignorant, and had wanted to shrug off the commitment of leadership for as long as possible.