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Richard keeps fighting, Hank keeps gambling, and something ominous looms. |
Richard thrust the end of his staff forward, catching Kent Witkin center chest. The force of the sudden impact drove the boy back, knocking him to the ground. Sprawling with a hard thud, the boy lay for a moment as air slowly seeped back into his lungs. Eventually, he rose up on his elbows, staring horrified at Richard. âStart shit with my younger brother, will you?â Richard glared, pointing his staff menacingly between the Witkin boyâs eyes. âIt absolutely concerns me, you little weasel!â The Witkin boy scrambled backwards, desperate to distance himself from Richardâs fury. âHey!â Richard turned in annoyance to regard the new speaker, and caught sight of Bret Witkin. The eldest Witkin stood brandishing an axe haft while his second brother, Darrell, kept behind holding a broom handle. Both adolescents glared at Richard. âWhat gives you the right to bully my little brother, Richard?â Bret challenged, voice full of authority. Richard felt his anger rising, and he returned their looks with his own fury. âBully, is it?â Richard spat wraith. He paced gradually towards the two using his staff as a walking stick. They continued glaring at him as if trying to compete with his own boiling rage. âI saw you picking on him,â Bret convicted, jabbing an accusatory finger. âWhy not pick on someone your own age?â âI doubt either of the two of you would do any better,â Richard threatened as he came within feet of the other two adolescents. Neither was his exact age, but being in between the two was good enough for Richard. Flicking the bottom end of his staff out, he allowed the haft to slide through his grip until the top end came between his fingers. Grasping it, he grabbed hold of the haft with his off hand, and adjusted his grip on the end. The bottom end lay resting against Bretâs outer ankle, posed for the attack. Fluidly, Richard swept his staff, knocking Bretâs feet out from underneath the larger adolescent. The older boy toppled, landing hard on his back. Darrell leapt back in surprise, brandishing his broom handle defensively, while Bret lay dazed in the dirt for a moment. Struggling back to his feet in aggravation, he gawked at Richard. âI wasnât ready,â he protested. âHow about now?â Richard brandished his staff at the older boy, poised to strike. Bret lunged forward in wild fury, batting at Richardâs staff with his off hand as he swung his axe haft. Not the smartest attack, but still hazardous enough. Effortlessly, Richard swiftly rolled his staff away from Bretâs hand in a disengaging maneuver. Rolling the end back to position, he followed through with its momentum, striking the staff against the axe haft. Leveraging it, he parried the threatening swing away. Rolling the staff in his hands again, Richard then brought it down, slamming its end directly atop Bretâs shoulder. The force of the blow dropped the adolescent to his knees. Releasing the axe haft, Bret took hold of his own shoulder, and seethed in agony in the dirt. Richardâs gaze fell upon Darrell. The younger adolescent slumped back slightly, eyes wide with dread. Though he continued to brandish his broom handle defensively. Glaring, Richard took up position, pointing his staff directly at Darrell. âHavenât had enough yet, eh?â Richard bellowed at Darrell, causing the younger boy to cower further still. âThat is enough,â an all too familiar voice called out. Though the words came out gently, the authority behind them was indisputable. Still brandishing his staff at the middle Witkin boy, Richard glimpsed over his shoulder. His dad, Emmitt, stood with fists on hips, scowling deeply. Dropping his guard, Richard turned to face his dad properly. âDad-â âCome here,â Emmitt pointed at the ground before his own feet. Holding his staff as a walking stick, Richard sighed heavily before pacing into position. It was difficult to look his dad in the eyes. âAnd you,â Emmitt turned towards Hank, who had been standing off someways, âcome here.â Reluctantly, Hank walked up with chin down, to join Richardâs side. Gazing up into their dadâs eyes, he awaited Emmittâs cue. âWho started it?â Emmitt demanded, eyes locked on Hank. âWell...â he began, but then turned incredibly shy. âIt wasnât Richard,â he finally offered feebly. âWhatâs this all about?â Emmittâs eyes narrowed inquisitively. Hank shifted uncomfortably. âIâŚâ he attempted, but failed as quickly as he started. âItâs his fault, Mr. Ordell, sir,â Kentâs voice came full of accusation as he now stood, pointed fervently at Hank. âHank tried to cheat me, he did. He tried to cheat me out of my copper.â âI didnât though,â Hank protested, turning to face Kent. âI promise, Iâm not cheating you. I donât mean to cheat anybody.â âHe wonât pay me back my copper, Mr. Ordell, sir,â Kent drove on. âI donât have it yet,â Hank pleaded, âbut I promise Iâll give it back.â He looked deep into Emmittâs eyes. âI promise.â âWhatâs this about copper?â Emmitt pressed. âI lent him a copper a couple of weeks back,â Kent urged on. âAnd now he wonât pay me what he owes. I know he has copper.â âBut I donât,â Hank insisted. âI saw him give a copper to Peggy the other day,â Kent jabbed an accusatory finger again. âHe gives her copper all the time, but he wonât pay me what he owes.â âIt was the only copper I had,â Hank coaxed, then he turned completely embarrassed. âI meant to give it back to you, butâŚâ Emmittâs eyes narrowed further, and they all stood waiting in the awkwardness for Hankâs explanation. âI owed her from a bet,â he finally mumbled. Richard felt his face slacken as he stared in bewilderment at his younger brother. âYouâre gambling with your older sister?â Emmittâs voice rose. âItâs only when Richard gets into trouble,â Hank offered feebly, then immediately turned pale. Richard blinked in disbelief at what he had just heard. âSeriously?â He gawked at his younger brother. âHank,â Emmitt interjected sharply, âthereâs no good that can come from gambling, even with one of your own family. Itâs just going to lead you into trouble, like today.â He motioned about the area for emphasis. âBut Peggy keeps betting against Richard,â Hank protested. âYou have to be responsible for your actions,â Emmitt pressed with a note of annoyance. âIf you borrow from someone, you are indebted to them, and are responsible for repaying that debt.â âI know, Dad, but-â Hank tried to explain. âWhich means,â Emmitt spoke over Hank, âthat repaying your debt comes first. Gambling while youâre indebted will only lead to further debt. You still owe Kent here, and yet you went on to owe your own sister. Peggy at least couldâve waited, but you neglected your responsibility to Kent. Now look whatâs happened.â âBut, Dad, I-â Hank attempted. âNo more gambling,â Emmitt snapped with finality. âNo more borrowing, and no more debt. If you ever need copper, youâll earn it. No exceptions. Is that clear?â âYes, Dad,â Hank mumbled, turning his face to the grass. Emmitt turned towards the little Witkin boy, and motioned him closer. Kent approached them curiously, coming to stand between Richard and Hank. âIt seems my son, here, owes you a debt, which means my family is indebted to yours.â He fished about the interior of his hip pouch for a moment, before drawing his coin purse forth. It remained tethered to his belt by a length of string as he cradled it in his palm. Digging inside, he pulled up a particularly well polished copper coin, then held it out to the little Witkin boy. Kent gazed with wide eyed reverence at the copper. Timidly, he reached out, accepting the coin. He continued to stare awe-struck at the copper nestled in his palm. âThank you, Mr. Ordell, sir,â the boy gazed up into Emmittâs stern eyes. âYou see to your own brothers, now,â Emmitt indicated the still seething Bret, now standing with help from Darrell. âAnd be sure to tell your parents what happened here.â He leaned towards the boy confidentially. âYou tell them everything that happened here. If they have anything further to say about it, they can speak with me later this evening. Iâm about to have a very long talk with these two.â Emmitt glanced harshly at Richard and Hank before looking back to Kent. âI will, Mr. Ordell, sir,â the little Witkin boy nodded fervently. âOff with you, now,â Emmitt waved the boy off. Without hesitation, Kent turned and trotted off to join his two older brothers, and the three of them meandered away. Emmitt stood with fists on hips, scowling disapproval into Richard for a long moment. âDad-â Just as Richard started to explain himself, Emmittâs hand whipped around delivering a firm smack to the back of his scalp. Richardâs head jerked forward as he clasped his eyes shut, and he clenched his jaw more in annoyance than in pain. âWell, you most certainly finished that fight!â Richard opened his eyes to return his own scowl while his dad pressed on. âAnd with quite the flourish, Iâd say. Seems like youâve gone and forgotten proper temperament the more youâve advanced your staff work. You intend to resolve all confrontations like that, from here on out?â âI wouldnât have to resolve them,â Richard hissed through his teeth, âif other folks didnât start trouble all the time.â âSo you intend to resolve everything that way?â Emmittâs voice rose in bewilderment. âYou mean to beat on anything that upsets you? Assault children?â Richard squinted in confusion at his dad. âKent is nine,â Emmitt continued. âNine, Richard. One whole year older than your brother, Hank, while youâre nearly an adult. You canât keep tussling about like an ill-tempered child with everyone who crosses you. Look at me.â Emmitt gestured to himself by tapping an open palm over his chest. âDo you see me knocking folks flat on their backsides? Kicking their teeth in?â The question took Richard by surprise. This wasnât something he had anticipated his dad would say. âNo, Dad,â he meant it with every fiber of his being. Emmitt drew in uncomfortably close, and stared straight into Richardâs baffled eyes. âYou need to learn how to carry yourself in society, Son,â Emmitt urged fervently. âYou need to learn to be more cordial, even with those who you are certain are in the wrong. You still need to show proper tact and manners. Or youâll end up like those you claim to combat, and only make trouble for yourself.â Richard shifted slightly in impatience, but continued to return his dadâs gaze as he listened. âDid you see how I resolved the issue today?â Richard gave a small nod. âDid I resort to fists and blows?â âNo,â Richard mumbled in response. âAnd would you say that the issue is well resolved, or not?â Richard exhaled audibly as he clenched his teeth together. âLearn how to work with the members of your society,â Emmitt implored. âRemember that theyâre people, too, and they have many needs. Some like your own, and others different from yours. But they still deserve respect, yeah?â âYeah,â Richard mumbled even softer than before. Emmitt grasped both of Richardâs shoulders in the kind of grip that indicated how important this next part was. âRemember your dreams, Richard,â Emmitt pressed. âRemember them always, and donât ever throw them away. Be that example you want to be. Be the man you aspire to be, always, and never be anything less. Act like that man, always. Be fair, and honorable. Be better than just some rough who knows only how to throw sticks. Her Grace knows you can hold your own, but itâs time to stop relying on your fists. Itâs time you start using this.â Emmitt prodded a firm finger against the middle of Richardâs forehead. âUse what youâve got between your ears, and use it more. Youâll be better off that way. Fists should only ever be the very last option you go with. Donât pursue it. Use your head, and think your way through conflict. Let your thoughts stand for whatâs true. Itâs time to be a man.â Richardâs eyes cast about one general spot to another as he pondered over what his dad had just told him. It was a lot to take in, and he didnât know just how happy about it he was. It all just seemed too cheery of an approach. Such high hopes didnât seem to hold up well in reality, from what Richard had seen. With a heavy sigh he finally nodded his understanding. Emmitt gave a look that was hard to place, but eventually dropped his hands from Richardâs shoulders and stepped back with dry satisfaction. âIâm sorry for all the trouble, Dad,â Hank mumbled in shame. âI promise no more debt. Once I pay you back, then thatâs that.â âToo right, youâll pay me back,â Emmitt confirmed. âNow, do you two want to learn something about your future profession, or not?â âWe still get to see the royal kingâs procession?â Hank looked up with hope filled eyes. âGet to?â Emmitt scoffed. âYou mean youâre going to, whether you like it, or not. Todayâs a day of history being made, and I want you two to see it. This could very well be the most important day of our lives. Now letâs go get Eli, and be off.â A wild ram meandered down the steep slope with his family of seven in tow. Noticing Richard, along with his brothers and dad, the stout creature came to a halt. Raising his horns high, he studied the four people as his kids and ewes huddled around him. Emmitt motioned to Richard and his brothers to hold for a moment, and they all waited and watched for a long while. Satisfied, at last, that all was clear, the ram proceeded down the slope. As the wild sheep made their way off, Emmitt turned to the three with a studious look. âEven creatures that may look soft and cuddly can still lash out with all the ferocity of an angry badger.â Emmitt glanced between the three of them, but Richard felt with some annoyance that this was intended for him. âAnimals defend their offspring just as much as people defend their children. If we were to walk up too closely for itâs liking, that ram couldâve charged right through any of us. Richard and I, included.â He pointed between the two of them for emphasis, before looking Richard straight in the eyes. âThereâs no need to go antagonizing. Best to let things be. Take the initiative in showing patience, and allow yourself to give time to others.â Then he looked at Hank. âThink of how your actions may impact others, and donât ever do anything that may grieve them. Acquiring debt is one of the fastest ways into trouble. Trouble for yourself, your loved ones, and others.â Emmitt gave a small smile of reassurance. A moment of silence passed between them. âDo you hear that?â Eli looked curiously at the rest. âWhat?â Richard panned around in confusion. âThe pipes?â Eli nodded fervently, causing Richard to roll his eyes heavily. âEli, the pipes have been playing for hours now. We could hear them first thing this morning back at the house.â âBut theyâve changed now,â Eli observed. âTheyâre playing a different tune. Listen.â Richard focused on the sound filling the air all around them. It was a strange piercing noise like thousands of ducks whistling at each other. He wasnât sure how much he actually liked the sound, yet if peace was to reign heâd probably have to get used to hearing it to some extent. Regardless, the tune had indeed shifted, even if only into something else that was lively and upbeat. âWhat are they playing now?â Eli asked. âI donât reckon anyoneâs heard it in nearly a hundred years,â Hank pondered aloud. âLast time any Royal songs wouldâve been played wouldâve been back during the Old Kingdom. Back when our great-granddad first came here.â âWhen your great-granddad first came here,â Emmitt glanced between them with a wondrous look, âhe heard those songs during times of war. Now that the Revolution is over, itâs time we hear those songs during peace. The world is changing, and a new future awaits us. Itâs just over that summit, there.â He nodded his head towards the hill crest above them. âLetâs go have a look.â Emmitt grinned broadly up at the summit as they continued along the path. A steady spring breeze brushed passed as the sun shone gently upon them. It built in strength the closer they came to the summit, swaying the tall grass with increasing vigor. The further they hiked, the heavier both Hankâs and Eliâs breathing became. Richard looked over his shoulder at them. Noting their excited expressions and lack of sweat, he rounded about to better face his two panting brothers. âYou two alright?â Richard knelt before them. âDo you need to rest?â Hank shook his head slightly, while Eliâs head couldâve spun around his own neck from how hard he shook. âWeâre almost there anyway,â Eli indicated, âand weâre not even that tired. We can make it, yet.â âAlright, then,â Richard smiled proudly, âbut go ahead of me. I got your backs.â Grinning from ear to ear, Eli trotted up after Emmitt, panting all the while. âThanks, Richard,â Hank gave him a polite smile as he passed. Nodding assurance, Richard followed after them, and their climb recommenced. Higher up they went, and the breeze gathered in strength still, carrying with it the ever nearing song of Royal pipes. Coming within the final dozen yards or so to the summit, the climb became much more difficult. Progress ground to a crawl as Emmitt and Richard worked to help both Hank and Eli along the treacherous path. Even Emmitt was beginning to pant from the exertion, yet he encouraged the younger two along with patience and a caring smile. With the final hurdle cleared, Emmitt drew the three into a close huddle. âJust a few yards left,â he could barely contain his own excitement, âand weâll be the first ones of the whole empire to see the royal kingâs procession. Weâll be the first to see our future. A future between our two peoples. Between us humans and half-elves.â Motioning them forward, he waited to come up behind them. All four stepped towards the summit, eager to see what lay beyond. Royal pipes shrieked in the steady breeze, and at last they could see beyond the hills. Everything clear out to the distant Nir River came into view, and Richard felt his wonder turn instantly to shock. Richard recalled the various processions that had passed through their town during his childhood. Merchant authorities, diplomatic emissaries, and military commanders all emblazoned with imperial flare. All journeying into the mysterious territory north of the river. A land said to be home to half-elves, and to be in constant struggle. He remembered the soldiers that had marched through the last few years. Entire armies inscribed with the rising sun of the New Dawn, crossed over to quell the ever expanding half-elven revolution. So many entered, yet he couldnât recall seeing any return. The Revolution had been crushing for Richardâs people. Standing on the summit, now, it looked more like an army than a procession marching along the highway. Thousands of tiny figures in Royal burgundy and sage flowed across the roadway, polearms held aloft. Some sat higher up on horseback at certain intervals, their lances waving slightly in the breeze. So many cavalry interspersed amongst a horde of infantry. The flags of the New Brytorian Kingdom and itâs three royal states led the entire mass along with dozens of vicious pikes. Nearly a quarter mile up the highway, a break in the polearms and a flash of flamboyant color hinted to the positioning of the pipers. Behind them, dozens of heavy horsemen trotted after, the sun glinting off their plate armor. Several carriages drove along, interspersed amongst the knights. It was impossible to tell which was the royal kingâs, but the lead one bore a massive knotted insignia held aloft by a pole. Following the carriages, the remainder of the royal kingâs escort seemed to stretch off into the horizon. âThatâs the royal kingâs procession?â Richard stared on in bewilderment as the army below marched through their stunned silence. âThereâs so many,â Eliâs awe finally broke free. âAre they all here?â âWhy would they all come?â Hank seemed uncertain. âAre the peace negotiations that important to them?â âYes,â Emmittâs voice came like a forced breath. âThatâs exactly it, Hank. Itâs just that important to the Royals.â Richard glanced side-ways to catch Hank and Eli appearing completely overwhelmed to know what to think. Looking at his dad, though, he caught something heâd never seen before. Emmitt turned to him, then, all color drained from his face. Mouth agape, and eyes bulging, sweat began to trickle off his forehead. âEverythingâs going to be fine, Son,â Emmitt lied. âEverythingâs going to be just fine. Youâll see.â Turning back to the stream of royal soldiers, Emmitt pulled both Hank and Eli close to him, squeezing their shoulders. Richard stepped up to his side, and placed an arm over his dadâs shoulder. âYouâll see,â Emmitt whispered in an attempt of reassurance. The four of them stood there, huddled together for a long while, as the burgundy and sage mass marched along to the shrieking of Royal pipes. |