The outrider came across them first. It was nearly dark, but still Wilson and Aella were impressed with the outrider's skill as the two groups became aware of each other at exactly the same time. It wasn't often other soldiers were equal to Wilson and Aella. Good thing it was not enemy territory or it would have been a battle royale.

Wilson saluted the soldiers as he recognized their uniforms as belonging to the King's Own.

"Maybe we won't have to go all the way to the capital," whispered Aella.

"I was thinking the same thing," said Wilson.

The distant soldier saluted them. They saluted back. Slowly the two approached the one. He had his hand on his sword, and neither Wilson or Aella took it as a threat. In similar circumstances, they would have done the same. When they were within a stone's throw, they stopped their horses.

"Hello," called Wilson.

"And to you," called the soldier.

"We are with the Roc Riders of Fellsword. I'm Captain Wilson of the Irregular Fifth and this is my second in command, Aella Stormcloak."

The soldier smiled and saluted. "Good to be among heroes and friends of the Throne. I'm Private Sim of the King's Own."

"Well met."

"Well met," Sim replied. "I've been instructed to accompany anyone on the road back to our main group. The 1st Lieutenant would like to speak to all who pass the group."

"Does the King ride with you?" asked Wilson. "It is him we ride to speak with."

Sim shook his head. "No, we travel with his daughter, Princess Variana. The King remains by the Throne."

Wilson nodded. "Too bad, it would have saved us many leagues of riding were the King with you. Nevertheless, we accept your company and look forward to meeting the 1st Lieutenant."

They rode a pair of leagues and approached the encampment. Private Sim called out all the proper passwords. As they moved deeper through the layers of guards, Wilson and Aella noticed with approval that their escort grew in size. Soon, they were casually surrounded by four guards. Enough to stop them from any nefarious intent, should they have such. It was good to see the Princess was in safe hands.

They rode up to a standard military tent with a small flag waving atop. It had the King's Crest with inverse swords on either side. The standard of the King's Own. There, in front of the tent, stood a tall man. He had dark hair and darker eyes. Eyes that had seen much of the world and were uniformly unimpressed by what he had seen. Wilson and Aella both dismounted and saluted. Beside him stood a smaller man, who had a classically handsome face. He looked too pretty to be a soldier.

1st Lieutenant Badren saluted them back. "Hail, and welcome to the camp of Princess Variana."

"Thank you for your hospitality," said Wilson. "I am Captain Wilson of the Irregular Fifth and this is my second in command, Aella Stormcloak."

At this, the man next to the 1st Lieutenant spoke up. "You cannot stay the night."

Badren turned to him, "I command here and my hospitality rules." He then turned back to Wilson and Aella and said, "You are welcome here. Both of you are known to us and we thank you for your service to the Throne."

"We thank you for your hospitality and would love to share your fires," intoned Wilson in the time-honored words of military men throughout the Kingdom. "And we thank you for your service to the throne. The deeds of the King's Own are known to us and you are always welcome wherever we ride."

Niceties observed, both officers relaxed and began the slow process of getting to know each other. Fellow soldiers were always extended hospitality, but even within the ranks of the King's many defenders, there were differences of opinion. Slow talk extended for many minutes and after a time, Wilson and Aella were invited to dine with the 1st Lieutenant and the Princess herself. It was a great honor.

They accepted with alacrity. Wilson was already wondering if he could convince the Princess to assist him.

Aella nudged him. "Wilson," she said in whisper.

"Yes."

"She is the Princess of the Kingdom."

"Yes."

"Do not act as if she is some serving wench in a tavern."

"And what do you mean by that?" asked Wilson with pretended offense to his dignity.

"You know exactly what I mean," said Aella.

"Then spell it out for me."

"You have absolutely no chance of taking her out for a quick cuddle, so don't even pretend to try."

Wilson smiled at this. "You wound me."

"I certainly will if you misstep and embarrass the Irregular Fifth. And after I am done with you, I am certain the King's Own will be in line to remove your head. So, don't try anything."

Wilson laughed. He was grateful Aella was his second in command and not the other way around. She would be nearly intolerable in command.

As they approached the table set with linen which seemed so incongruous here in the wild, they both knelt on one knee and bowed their heads. "Princess Variana, our swords are yours. Use them as you will."

Princess Variana stood up from where she was seated. "I had heard we had visitors, and who, may I ask, are you two?"

"I am Captain Wilson of the Irregular Fifth and this is Aella Stormcloak, my second in command. We are attached to the Roc Riders of Fellsword."

Princess Variana smiled. And when she did, it felt to Captain Wilson the entire world lit up. Aella was watching him closely. She knew the signs. She hit him swiftly with her elbow just below his lowest rib. He nearly grunted at the pain. "I accept your swords and give them back to you. Use them in defense of the land."

With the niceties taken care of, everyone was seated at the table. Wilson sat three chairs down from the head where the Princess was seated. At her right was her Nanny and on her left sat 1st Lieutenant Badren. Across from Wilson sat Aella. As he turned from staring at the Princess, Aella pointed her fingers at her eyes and then turned them to point at Wilson.

"I'm watching you," she mouthed.

After everyone was done eating, Wilson took the chance to ask the Princess for a favor. "Princess, if I may?"

She looked at him. "Certainly. For a hero of the land, what can I do for you?"

Wilson smiled awkwardly. "I didn't think you would remember."

"It has only been two years. Although I was much younger then, I remember it quite clearly. Father said your actions saved the kingdom, even though you had every reason to not take the actions you had, you still did. He said that makes you a hero and a good man."

The entire table was quiet. Many had heard of Wilson and the events at the Roc Rider School, but no one except a select few knew all the details. And here at the table were gathered three of the maybe six who knew the whole story. "I need to ask a favor of the King."

"And you think I can help if I send in a good word or two?" asked the Princess. She was much more perceptive than
Wilson had expected.

He nodded.

"I think I may be persuaded to do that very thing. What seems to be the matter?"

"It's my sister. And my father. . ." Stammered Wilson. Now that his chance had come, he realized he wasn't properly prepared to ask. "I. . ."

The Princess smiled. "Just start at the beginning. I love stories. Tell me yours."

Wilson fidgeted a bit. "It's a bit private."

The Princess stood up. As she did, everyone else at the table did as well. She looked around the gathered men and women who were her guards. "Thank you all, for sharing this meal with me. Please join me again tomorrow night." She looked over at 1st Lieutenant Badren, "I think Captain Wilson and Aella have properly proven their trustworthiness. If it is acceptable, I will adjourn with them to hear Captain Wilson's story."
Lieutenant Badren nodded.

The Black Oak Sword

Chapter 1: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3
Chapter 2: Part 1 , Part 2
Chapter 3: Part 1 , Part 2,Part 3
Chapter 4:Part 1,Part 2
Chapter 5: Part 1
Chapter 6: Part 1, Part 2
Chapter 7: Part 1, Part 2
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14:Part 1
Chapter 14:Part 2
Chapter 15:Part 1
Chapter 15:Part 2
Chapter 16:Part 1
Chapter 16:Part 2
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19:Part 1
Chapter 19:Part 2
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22:Part 1
Chapter 22:Part 2
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27

© 2017, Stone Golem Publishing, All rights reserved--no part of this may be used without express written consent.

**All pictures used are labeled for reuse. They come from Pixabay

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