Asherons Call: New Fist de Yuma posted

"I was 15 at the time. Being the Dukes only son, I should have been taught more about swords and battle, especially for the times. Mother being Mother, I had a lot less training than I should have. Still, I had a lot more training than mother ever knew about. I did not have a real sword of course. Still, the practice sword had been sharpened a bit more than my mother would have approved of." He took a sip and continued.

We were riding out to Okenbary when we got word of bandits. My father ordered me to return to the fort, and assigned two escorts." He sighed, "They were more guardians really. I was rather head strong those days. It was their job to keep me out of trouble." The King's face relaxed, as if contemplating a humorist thought. "He loved me of course, but I think he was more afraid of mothers reaction to me being hurt than anything else."

"We came across the burning wagon about a half hour later. My guards were trying to keep the lady and her child alive, but it was clear they would need more than what battle aid could provide. When their back was turned, I ran for help. I know they would leave those two to die rather than let me go alone. I thought there was a village close by, so I headed there."

This week's issue can be found here.